Pelosi keeps leadership job; McIntyre votes for Shuler

House Democrats have re-elected Nancy Pelosi as their leader in the next Congress. The closed-door vote Wednesday will let the California congresswoman shift from House speaker to minority leader in January, despite concerns by some Democrats that the party needs new leadership after suffering huge midterm election losses.

Pelosi has refused to take the blame and pinned party’s losses on stubbornly high unemployment.

Rep. Mike McIntyre, who represents Southeastern North Carolina, told WWAY before and after Election Day he would not support Pelosi for a leadership position. Today he held true to his word.

“My vote today for Minority Leader was a vote to go in a different direction with fresh ideas, new leadership, and one who unites. I voted for my home state colleague, Heath Shuler,” McIntyre said in a statement. “This was an important decision for the future of the party and the country, but now it is time to move forward and get things done. No matter who the Speaker or Minority Leader is, I will continue to work for and fight for the people of Southeastern North Carolina. My commitment to them is to help create jobs, protect Social Security, honor our veterans, invest in our coast and rural areas, and always put the people of our district first.”