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By Unanimous Vote, Crowley Ascends To House Democratic Caucus Vice-Chair
It's official: New York Rep. Joseph Crowley is now vice-chairman of the House Democratic Caucus
“It is truly an honor to have received the support of my colleagues, and I look forward to serving them as the Vice Chair of our Caucus," Crowley said in a statement after the unanimous vote, which came after California Rep. Barbara Lee pulled out of the running and which makes Crowley the only Empire State lawmaker in a party leadership role.
"A new Congress gives us a fresh chance to present our ideas for the nation," Crowley continued, "and I am eager to get to work alongside Leader Pelosi, Whip Hoyer, Assistant Leader Clyburn, and Caucus Chairman Becerra as we fight to advance an agenda focused on promoting economic growth, creating jobs, strengthening and expanding America’s middle class, and building a better, stronger country for all Americans."
The second time was the charm for Crowley, who tried for the vice-chairmanship in 2006, only to lose to Rep. John Larson. In today's statement, Crowley, who represents parts of Queens and Brooklyn, praised Larson for his "outstanding" leadership.
Crowley, who's also head of the Queens Democratic organization, has lived in some interesting political times.
This cycle, he oversaw a bitter primary for the NY-6 seat that opened up with the retirement of longtime Rep. Gary Ackerman, ultimately steering the party's support to state Assemblywoman Grace Meng -- and, in doing so, bypassed his own cousin, City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley.
Meng, who nominated Crowley for the post he secured today, along with ex-House Ways and Means chief Rep. Charlie Rangel and Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro -- went on to defeat GOP City Councilman Dan Halloran in a bare-knuckled faceoff.
Crowley won that round, but wasn't so lucky in last year's battle for the seat vacated by Rep. Anthony Weiner. The Queens boss got some serious blowback after the party's pick, David Weprin, lost what many considered pretty much a cakewalk contest against Republican Bob Turner.
