Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has repeatedly condemned demands that 89-year-old Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) should resign.
Pelosi said, “I’ve never seen them pursue an ill man in the Senate.” This was after a number of Democratic legislators demanded Feinstein resign last month.
A report from Politico suggests that Pelosi may not be looking out for Feinstein’s best interests.
Nancy Corinne Prowda sat by Feinstein’s bedside when she returned to Senate last week after a bout with shingles. Feinstein’s office initially denied that the shingles were more severe.
Since then, Prowda has remained by Feinstein’s side.
Pelosi made an arrangement for her longtime friend to be taken care of. Both are political giants in San Francisco.
According to Politico Playbook, the arrangement has raised questions among those who are in the know as to whether Nancy Pelosi’s political interests and Feinstein’s personal interests conflict.
Pelosi has the problem of endorsing Adam Schiff as Feinstein’s replacement. Feinstein will retire next year if she doesn’t resign. If Feinstein does resign though, Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom would pick Feinstein’s replacement until the next elections. Rep. Barbara Lee is a Democrat running to fill Feinstein’s seat.
“If DiFi leaves now, there is a high likelihood that Barbara Lee will become the next Speaker — this makes it hard for Schiff,” said a Pelosi family confidant who spoke to Politico Playbook.
According to a source, “It’s very complex and political because they want her to stay.” “The political thinking is DiFi staying for as long as possible to help Schiff.”
The offices of both Pelosi and Feinstein confirmed that Prowda had close ties to Feinstein. However, a spokesperson for Pelosi denied the notion that she has ulterior motives.
Aaron Bennett, the spokesman of Senator Feinstein said: “Anyone familiar with her will know that she decided to serve in Senate, and Speaker Emerita Emerita wouldn’t suggest anything else.”
Feinstein was in worse condition than originally reported and appeared unaware of where she was when she returned.
Feinstein appeared to have forgotten she had been absent from the Senate for months.