Hmmm, Bonior is leaving the House. If Gephardt is forced out of the leadership, does that mean Nancy Pelosi takes over the Dems in the House?
Martin Frost, Bob Menendez, and Nancy Pelosi are the three leading candidates to be the Democrat Leader if the spot opens up. Pelosi isn't a lock to win. Steny Hoyer may also seek the job. He ran against Pelosi for Whip.
Other Democrat power seekers (for spots other than Democrat Leader or Speaker) are Al Wynn, Nita Lowey, Sherrod Brown, Cal Dooley, Bennie Thompson, James Clyburn, Chris John, Baron Hill, Ellen Tauscher, Mike Capuano, and Rosa DeLauro.