By now, we all know San Francisco?s Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the designated speaker of the House of Representatives, “stumbled” (the most used word) when her colleagues voted against her choice, Pennsylvania Rep. John Murtha, for majority leader. Perhaps. But Steny Hoyer, the less controversial Maryland congressman, may prove a blessing to her leadership.
Likewise, she averted another blow to her credibility Tuesday by ditching her choice to chair the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Against advice from all directions, she had been headstrong in her determination to name Florida Rep. Alcee Hastings to the sensitive position, passing over Los Angeles County?s Rep. Jane Harman. As ranking minority member of the committee, Harman by rights should assume the chair when the Democrats officially become the majority.
