House Democrates Chose Hoyer & Clyburn

Rep Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) a practical moderate, was elected House majority leader. Hoyer's routed (149 to 86) Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Pa.), Nancy Pelosi's handpicked candidate. Arkansas' Democrat Rep. Ross and Snyder voted for Hoyer; Rep Berry voted for Murtha. Pelosi had publicly backed Murtha, a longtime friend whose recorded session with undercover FBI agents, alleged record of earmarking pet projects while vice-chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and comments on recent ethics reform proposals had raised questions among some about his fitness to lead and Pelosi's judgment in supporting him.

Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) elected House majority whip. Clyburn was chairman of the House Democratic Caucus prior to being elected majority whip.