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Perez Refuses to Give Straight 'Yes' When Asked if He's Fully Satisfied With Pelosi, Schumer Leadership

December 14, 2017

Democratic National Committee chair Tom Perez refused to say Thursday if he is fully satisfied with Democratic leaders Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.).

When asked by Fox News' Bill Hemmer about the calls for new leadership by some Democratic lawmakers, Perez wouldn't give a straight answer.

"We’re making real progress, look at the 2017 elections here, Bill. Democrats, not only in Alabama, but in Virginia, New Jersey ... all sorts of other races," Perez said.

"We’re leading with our values, we’ve learned from our mistakes," he added.

"Is that a yes?" Hemmer interjected

"Without Nancy Pelosi, we wouldn't have health care," Perez stated.

Hemmer continued to pressure Perez for a straight answer.

"So you are satisfied with her leadership,? I take it that’s a yes?" Hemmer persisted.

"Well you know what? We're leading into the 2018 election cycle," Perez said.

"So it’s a maybe?" Hemmer commented.

"I think we are going to win the Senate and the House. It's an uphill battle, but I think with their leadership we can do it," Perez said.

"I can’t chalk up that answer to a yes," Hemmer concluded.

Pelosi, who has served in the House since 1987, has long held influence among House Democrats. She served as Speaker of the House from 2007-11 and has served as House Minority Leader since that time.

Over the past year, a number of Democratic lawmakers have called for new blood.

Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton has been an outspoken critic of Pelosi, and called for new leadership on multiple occasions.

Linda Sanchez (D., Calif.) said in October she believed it was time to "pass the torch to a new generation."

Rep. Kathleen Rice (D., N.Y.) also wants a "leadership change," telling CNN "It's time for Nancy Pelosi to go, and the entire leadership team."

Pelosi defend herself against criticism in October while she talked to ABC’s George Stephanopoulos about her strengths as a leader.

"I think we do have a great array of talent, and I have promoted it all along the way," she said, naming Rep. Adam Schiff (D., Calif.) as an example.

"I think I’m a great legislator, I know the budget," she said. "Self-promotion is a terrible thing but clearly somebody has to do it."