By a large margin, Steny Hoyer was chosen to lead the new Democratic Majority. Hoyer is a moderate Democrat who isn't tainted by ethics questions. Murtha would have been a very conservative voice (he sponsors flag burning amendments and is aggressively anti-abortion), and his status as an unindicted co-conspirator in ABSCAM would have put a damper on Democratic efforts to push an agenda of ethics reform.
In an interview with TPM Cafe, Hoyer explained: "My job is to help create consensus so we can not be a cacophany of voices but a voice that the American people can hear."
Well done, Dems, and good luck to the new Majority Leader.
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The vote count is in: Steny Hoyer defeated Jack Murtha 149 to 86 for the majority lead
There are times when fear is good. It must keep its watchful place at the heart's controls. There is advantage in the wisdom won from pain.
- John Hoyer Updike
Yesterday, the House passed the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) expansion by a vote of 265-159.
I just thought I'd pass on this letter from Rush Holt to Nancy Pelozi and Steny Hoyer: