Sherman endorses Engel for top F. Affairs spot

We noted below that, now that Howard Berman is leaving Congress, there was a three-way race for top Democratic spot on the House Foreign Affairs committee, and that Eliot Engel of New York had secured majority backing among committee Democrats.

It’s no longer three-way; Brad Sherman — who defeated Berman on Nov. 6 in a Jewish Dem on Jewish Dem race in a Los Angeles-area district — has withdrawn, and endorsed Engel (also Jewish).

Behind the decision, I hear, was the scene described by Politico at a meeting of the California Democratic caucus on Wednesday. Viers for committee chairmanships usually can naturally count on home-state colleagues, but California Democrats were furious with Sherman for his tactics in the race. (California law pits the top two vote-getters in the primary, no matter the party, in the general election.)

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The folks who steered me to the Politico story emphasized that Sherman’s critics at the meeting were okay with being identified — highly unusual, and a portent of what was in store for him if he pressed ahead.

From the story:

In particular, Sherman’s Democratic colleagues in the California House delegation are furious over a pro-Sherman mailing sent out by a super PAC called Californians for Integrity in Government.

The mailing, which popped up during the last stages of the race, included pictures of Berman, Reps. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.). Its message was designed to attract Republicans and independent voters: “Maxine Waters, Barney Frank and Barbara Boxer all want you to vote for Howard Berman.”

Waters is a prominent African-American, Frank is openly gay and Boxer is a high-profile liberal. Bashing the three of them hasn’t gone over well with other Democrats.

Sherman denounced the super PAC mailer as soon as it became public and pointed out that he had no control over Californians for Integrity in Government’s activities.

But that doesn’t matter to other California Democrats.

Sherman’s release  does not touch on the anger. Instead, it suggests that Sherman, who cited seniority last April when he declared his intention to campaign for the spot, now defers to Engel’s seniority formulation:

Sherman has served in Congress for 16 years, and has 16 years of continuous service on the Foreign Affairs Committee.  Eliot Engel has served in Congress for 24 years, and has 18 years of experience on the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Israel is also a factor

Both Sherman and Engel are known for their strong support for Israel and staunch efforts to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Their voting records are virtually identical on the foreign policy issues which come before the Committee.

The other contender is Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, the delegate from Samoa who is senior to both Sherman and Berman. Faleomavaega is well-regarded, but is also a delegate and not representative — entitled to vote in committee but not on the House floor. No delegate has ever chaired a full committee.

Sherman politely explains why he can’t back Faleomavaega:

I have great respect for Eni Faleomavaega and his many years of outstanding contribution to the committee.  However, I have decided to support Eliot Engel and I believe that Eliot will do an outstanding job as Ranking Member.