The Bay Citizen – Pelosi Fall Will Hit Bay Area Hard
The Republican Party’s takeover of the U.S. House of Representatives could have far-reaching implications for the Bay Area.
The Republican’s big national victory in House races means that San Francisco’s Nancy Pelosi will lose her position as Speaker of the House. She may also be forced to step down as the Democratic Party’s leader in that chamber.
With Republicans wresting the House from the Democrats’ control, other Bay Area representatives will lose their powerful positions as chairs of committees and subcommittees.
Overall, Northern California’s clout in Washington will be vastly reduced.
This loss of power will be especially felt in San Francisco, said George Broder, of the business-backed Bay Area Council.
This year alone, Broder said, Pelosi brought in $46 million to retrofit Doyle Drive, which connects the Golden Gate Bridge to the Presidio, and $86 million more for toxic clean-up at the old Hunters Point Naval Shipyard and strong-armed the U.S. Navy into turning Treasure Island over to the city.
“From her perch as Speaker of the House, she’s been able to advocate very effectively for her district,” Broder said.
