Pelosi Deserves Credit for Backing Jack MurthaPaul Hogarthbyline‚ Nov. 16‚ 2006UPDATE: Steny Hoyer defeated Murtha this morning by a vote of 149-86. Read Beyond Chron tomorrow for a follow-up story of what this result means. Democrats selected Steny Hoyer as House Majority Leader today, in a contest that pitted the House Democratic Whip who has long been a cautious Beltway insider against Jack Murtha, the ex-Marine who shifted the Iraq War debate when he came out last year in favor of bringing our troops home. The national media has pounced on this story to show how “divided” Democrats are in Congress, but what is more significant is how Nancy Pelosi has put her reputation on the line for Murtha in this contentious battle. On November 12th, Pelosi formally endorsed Murtha to be the next House Majority Leader because of his strong opposition to the war in Iraq. Pelosi’s action confirms her progressive credentials, and rebuts claims that she is “out of touch” with her San Francisco constituents. Nancy Pelosi may not be as progressive as left-wing activists want her to be, but as House Speaker she will greatly advance progressive interests. |