A progressive coalition is pressuring Chuck Schumer in its own territory by publishing a digital billboard in Times Square, asking the new majority leader to end the Senate obstruction.
Why it matters: Schumer is a candidate for re-election in 2022 and could face an opponent, and is also leading his party’s broader effort to maintain his narrow majority in Congress.
The backdrop: Schumer and minority leader Mitch McConnell are currently negotiating a power-sharing deal to operate the new 50-50 Senate. Whether the 60-vote obstruction rule will last is at the center of the stalemate.
Driving the news: Just Democracy, a coalition of more than 40 progressive groups led by black and brown organizers seeking to reform the government, created and paid for a weeklong billboard in the heart of the Schumer district as of Monday.
- The ad features quotes from Congressman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, ex-President Obama and ex-Senate majority leader Harry Reid, all condemning the obstruction. None of them are working together with the organizers on the billboard.
- Note: Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive beacon, will not end speculation that she is considering challenging Schumer to her seat.
What they are saying: “Democrats gained control of the Senate because of black and brown organizers and voters,” said Stasha Rhodes, campaign director 51 for 51 and a member of the Just Democracy coalition, in a statement to Axios. “Now they have a chance to remove the biggest obstacle to the legislation that voters care about most – voting rights, health, a serious COVID bailout package and more. “
- Another group, Fix Our Senate, ran a full-page ad in Sunday’s New York Times that also pressured Schumer to end the obstruction.