WASHINGTON -- As Democrats aim to take back control of the U.S. House of Representatives this fall, the question of who should be the next speaker is becoming a touchy subject.

  • Some Democratic candidates distancing themselves from Rep. Nancy Pelosi
  • Pelosi may campaign to be House Speaker if Democrats retake the House
  • GOP using Pelosi as a wedge on Democratic support

Democrats are split over the question of whether Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the current House Minority Leader, should once again pick up the gavel.

Republicans are already taking aim at the former speaker, using her as a wedge in attempts to drive away Democratic support. 

“With Pelosi as speaker, everything we’ve fought for will come undone,” said one ad from the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Kyle Kondik with the University of Virginia says Pelosi -- the only female speaker in the nation’s history -- can be a divisive figure.

President Trump latched onto this, tweeting recently:

 

Some Democrats -- especially those in competitive seats -- are treading lightly with regards to Pelosi, fearful of the baggage she brings with her. A recent review by NBC News identified at least 50 Democratic candidates  -- most of them challengers -- who say they will not support her bid for speaker next term.

Meanwhile, a favorability poll conducted by Gallup shows the ratings for both parties' leaders are falling, not just Pelosi's.

For example, in a blog post, Democratic Kathy Manning, who is challenging a Republican incumbent in North Carolina’s 13th congressional district, wrote, “If I want to change how Washington works, I cannot vote for more of the same … we need fresh faces and bold ideas.”

Pelosi has more than three decades of experience on the Capitol Hill.

“Democratic leadership has been around for a while and frankly is getting up there in age, too,” Kondik said. “That there might be a feeling that there should be some new blood in the leadership.”

Still, other Democrats are remaining loyal. New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries says he will support Pelosi’s possible bid for speaker.

“The reason why the Republicans continue to run negative ads against Nancy Pelosi, is because they have no affirmative agenda. Democrats stand for the people, they stand for the wealthy, the well-off,” he said.

Depending on what happens Election Day, the question remains as to whether Democrats will be able to come together.