Update on the Race for Majority Leader

I just came back from Jack Murtha's reception for new members of Congress at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, and have three things to report: 1) The race for House Majority Leader is anything but wrapped up -- it's a fluid contest and too close to call. 2) Remember what The Hill wrote in 2001, on Steny Hoyer's battle with Nancy Pelosi for the Democratic Whip post: "In July, when Pelosi had 90 known supporters, Hoyer claimed 99 total commitments. On Aug. 1, when Pelosi announced eight new endorsements, Hoyer claimed 100. On Sept. 4, when Pelosi released two more names, for a total of 100, Hoyer upped his count to 101." Pelosi won the post 118-95. 3) Here's the best summation of why Dems should vote for Jack Murtha, courtesy of Rep. Jim McDermott: "The president's worst nightmare is to have to sit at breakfast with Jack Murtha...Jack will be a real leader." Stay tuned...

At the reception: