Rumors are rampant on Capitol Hill that House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi delayed leadership elections until after Thanksgiving to build support for a hand-picked successor not named Steny Hoyer should she decide to retire.

But party officials and outside interest groups tell Secrets that House Minority Whip Hoyer, who represents southern Maryland, commands a strong following and is unlikely to fall victim to the over-reported Pelosi-Hoyer feud.