Dems grapple with Clarence Thomas response

House Democrats are split over how to approach what they mostly agree is a clear conflict of interest for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

Why it matters: Thomas has thus far resisted calls to recuse himself from election-related cases amid revelations about the activism of his wife, Virginia "Ginni" Thomas, before the Jan. 6 insurrection. One remedy would be impeachment — a long shot, as well as a rarity in the nation's history.

State of play: While progressive Democrats like Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.) are already talking about impeachment, party leaders are mostly hesitant or seeking further investigation.

Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), chair of the House Judiciary Committee, told Axios it's "too early" to discuss impeachment or other punishments as the matter is probed.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), chair of the House Democratic Caucus, would only say Tuesday that potential conflicts are a "serious issue that needs to be explored."