[Bernard]

I can't blame her for being a Democrat. That's how they act. I also don't understand why somebody else in the party is not challenging her for the position of Speaker of the House. Is that an annual election, or does it hold for the entire term of Congress? Maybe that somebody is waiting for next year.

[RangerM]

I don't know, but I'm glad she's there.

She's an asset to us as long as she's in charge. She along with Conyers, Boxer, Levin, et al are our best hope for regaining power in '08.

[wmileo]

"Is that an annual election, or does it hold for the entire term of Congress?"

I think the election is for the entire term. However, If the Speaker decides to resign, there is another election to find a new Speaker.

I am more interested in how the MSM will continue to keep the lid on the fact that Murtha was, is and always will be a corrupt member of the US House of Representatives, Majority Leader or not. He has been in Congress for over 32 years and at no time during his tenure, did anyone in the DEMOCRATIC Party consider him leadership material. This whole thing is going to explode in their faces before long.

[Jimmy Valentine]

"I also don't understand why somebody else in the party is not challenging her for the position of Speaker of the House."

Watch and wait. Pelosi's backing of Murtha for majority leader is a slap in the face to Steny Hoyer, an old line machine politician from Maryland.

Steny has been in politics as long as I can remember and he knows political machinations cold.

It would not surprise me if he went after Pelosi's job as speaker (they detest each other) and knowing him, he could pull it off.

[Seattle Conservative]

"I also don't understand why somebody else in the party is not challenging her for the position of Speaker of the House"

I don't get that either - especially since there are quite a few that are supposed to be 'Blue Dog' or 'moderate' Dims.

I read yesterday (article in link below) that some of the WA state delegation are supporting Hoyer and not Murtha. Bet she'll whip those guys and others who don't want to support Murtha in line soon!

http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/davidpostman/archives/2006/11/state_delegation_divided_in_race_for_majority_leader.html