Democratic leadership denies proxy vote to pregnant, disabled congresswoman

If anyone in Congress would be granted a proxy vote — the option to send someone to vote on your behalf — you would think it would be Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), who is eight months pregnant and advised by her doctor not to travel. Duckworth is also a veteran who lost both of her legs in Iraq, a factor which can only complicate traveling to Washington at this stage of her pregnancy.

But Duckworth's request for a proxy to vote on her behalf in the House Democratic Caucus leadership and committee member elections has been denied by Rep. Rose DeLauro (D-Conn.). DeLauro's office says the decision was made to avoid setting a precedent, despite Duckworth's unique circumstance.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, some Democratic congressional aides suggested to National Journal that the real reason for the denial may be to ensure the vote in question has the outcome House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi prefers.

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