Leadership lineup

Politics | Democrats caucus—and have their first turf battle—over key leadership positions | Mark Bergin

Democrats flooded into Congress Nov. 7 promising bipartisan action to move the country in a new direction. But swift contention over the party's top leadership positions betrays a pressing need to build consensus within its own ranks first.

Freshly elected House Speaker Nancy Pelosi struggled to mask her disappointment following the rejection of John Murtha for the post of House majority leader—a direct affront to Pelosi in response to her first formal move to set an agenda. Rather than deliver the California congresswoman's endorsed choice, Democratic representatives handed the No. 2 spot to Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, Pelosi's most bitter party rival. The 149-86 vote for the more moderate Hoyer suggests division among House Democrats over whether to follow Pelosi's far-left program. It also rebuffs the anti-war calls for immediate troop withdrawal from Iraq that Murtha champions.

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December 02, 2006, Vol. 21, No. 46

Darfur Nov. 25, 2006	GOP downfall Nov. 18, 2006	Iraq and terrorism Nov. 11, 2006
Demsnami Nov. 4, 2006	Too close to call Oct. 28, 2006	Double trouble Oct. 21, 2006