Schiff makes calls on potential leadership bid

Schiff wants to help improve Democrats’ messaging operation and is not looking at challenging top leader Chuck Schumer. California Sen. Adam Schiff is calling up Democratic colleagues to express interest in serving in party leadership next Congress, according to a person close to Schiff. He wants to help improve Democrats’ messaging operation and is not looking at challenging top leader Chuck Schumer or Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, who is expected to be the next whip. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn, currently the No. 3 leader, won her gubernatorial race, opening up a leadership spot. Schiff served as a DSCC vice chair this cycle and helped raise $8.5 million for Senate candidates. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., who helped recruit and back moderate candidates, is also exploring potential options, according to two sources. So is progressive stalwart Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. Both Warren and Cortez Masto currently serve on Schumer’s leadership team. Schumer may yet face a challenge from Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md.