Murtha Statement on Majority Leader Election

Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD) was elected House Majority Leader today, defeating Jack Murtha (D-PA) by a 149-86 vote in the Democratic caucus.

A gracious Murtha immediately released this statement:

"I want to congratulate my colleague Steny Hoyer on his victory in a hard fought campaign and thank our next Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, for her steadfast support.

"Democrats would not have the majority without her bold leadership, and that same bold leadership is going to deliver the change that the American people want. A year ago, I spoke out against our country's failed war policy and since then I constantly advocated change. The midterm elections delivered a mandate on the Iraq war and it is now our responsibility to pursue a new direction.

"Working side by side with Speaker Pelosi and the Democratic Leadership, we're going to do just that.

"We must redeploy our troops. It's time we get to work."