House Democrats name Pelosi speaker

November 16, 2006

Nancy Pelosi was chosen by in the U.S. House of Representatives to take the title and role of House Speaker on Thursday. Unanimously chosen, Pelosi will be the first woman Speaker in US history.

While calling for unity within the Democratic party as the party votes as to who gains leadership positions within the House and for the first time in 12 years. Within moments of being officially chosen Speaker-Elect she pushed forward her nomination of Representative John Murtha for the No. 2 post in the House &mdash; majority leader. Voting is now going on in this contested race between Murtha and Representative Steny Hoyer, the current Democratic Party second-in-command.

Pelosi takes the position in January, taking over for. Hastert confirmed that he would not seek election as House Minority Leader in 2007.