Caucus chair: Van Hollen vs. Larson?

UPDATED: WASHINGTON – After announcing today that he will not be seeking a return to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen’s (D-Kensington) has begun making calls to fellow colleagues in anticipation of a potential run for Democratic caucus chair, according to a senior aide familiar with Van Hollen’s plans.

“Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen has decided not to run for caucus vice chair and is seriously considering running for caucus chair, and has already started calling is colleagues about it,” said the aide. PolitickerMD.com had previously reported that there was talk of Van Hollen running for Democratic vice caucus chair.

The position of caucus chair would open should U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) vacate his position as Democratic caucus chair to serve in the White House. MSNBC is reporting Wednesday that Emanuel has accepted the position of White House Chief of Staff.

The Emanuel move would set off a possible face-off for the caucus chair position between U.S. Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) and Van Hollen.

Larson spokeswoman Emily Barocas said today that Larson would run for caucus chair should Emanuel vacate it.

“If and when the position of caucus chair becomes available, Congressman Larson is ready to run for the post,” said Barocas.
Van Hollen, a four-term congressman, is wrapping up his first stint as chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.