Ellison joins House whip team

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison can add a new job to resume: whip. The 5th District Democrat has been named to the Democratic whip team in the U.S. House.

What exactly does a whip do? They count and round up votes for leadership on important bills. As the co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Ellison is a leader among the most liberal Democrats so he carries some weight within the party's House caucus.

Ellison was first elected in 2006 and represents Minneapolis.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.