Byrd Signals a Fight for His Job

Veteran Calls Colleagues

• By Emily Pierce and Erin P. Billings
• Roll Call Staff
• April 10, 2008, Midnight

Senate Democratic leaders sought Wednesday to distance themselves from growing chatter over whether Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) should remain as the Appropriations chairman, just as the ailing Senator came to his own defense in strategically placed calls to influential lawmakers.