Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-Cal.), the incoming Democratic Whip in the U.S. House of Representatives, has hired a new communications director. The January 7 edition of "Roll Call" reports that Pelosi, who is vehemently anti-gun, has tapped former HCI (now the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence) mouthpiece, Brendan Daly, to carry the Whip’s message to the media. Among Daly’s previous jobs, he served as press secretary to another anti-gun Representative -- former U.S. Representative Gerry Studds (D-Mass.).
As Whip, Pelosi is the Democrats’ chief vote counter, responsible for lining up support for Democratic initiatives in the House -- including gun control bills. Serving in this position also makes Pelosi the second highest ranking member of the Democratic leadership in the House -- right behind Minority Leader Dick Gephardt (D-Mo.).
Despite a swirl of media reports following the 2000 elections that many in Democratic circles are re-thinking the party’s support for gun control, in light of recent electoral defeats due in large part to candidates’ support for restrictions on the rights of law-abiding gun owners, that message apparently has not resonated farther up the leadership chain.
If Pelosi is trying to send a message about the House leadership’s direction on gun issues, it has been heard loud and clear!