Thursday, the Democrats elected new leadership for the 110th Congress, which begins in January. As expected, Nancy Pelosi was elected Speaker, becoming the first woman in history to hold that office. After a somewhat contentious battle, Steny Hoyer was elected Majority Leader. Pelosi, in my opinion, used up a bit of her political capital in supporting Jack Murtha for this position. While I expect that rivals Pelosi and Hoyer will figure out a way to work together over the next two years, I will not be surprised to see these two go at each other, either.
James Clyburn of South Carolina was elected majority whip. I had the pleasure of meeting Rep. Clyburn a few weeks ago and was quite impressed with both his speaking and his vision.
Democratic Caucus chairman will be Rahm Emanuel of Illinois. At 46, Emanuel is the youngest of the party leadership and was chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Given his age, Emanuel is one to watch. Could we be looking at a future presidential contender?
Check out more on the new leadership here.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
I don’t understand this fight over Hastings. Yes, it would be great for the Black Caucus to have a member in a prominent position. But Hastings is an former impeached judge who took bribes! In short, he is not a foot anyone should be putting forwards, regardless of his membership in an important minority caucus.
I am glad to see that Emanuel and Clyburn didn’t square off over the whip position. I have a feeling that we’ll be happy to have Emanuel on our side, but that he’ll make us itch, from time to time.
And while I’m lukewarm, at best, on Jane Harman, I really don’t think that the Dems should be putting Hastings in leadership positions. Yes, his district elected him, warts and all, as is their right. But that doesn’t mean that we should be elevating such a person into leadership, esp. when you have so many other credible and able Reps out there.