CNN just reported that Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) has announced his intent to run for Majority Leader if the Democrats regain control of the House in November. Clearly, Murtha is seeking to bring his strong stance on Iraq to the forefront of the Democratic Party's platform.
From The New Republic's The Plank:
Major news from the House: Pennyslvania Congressman John Murtha has begun delivering a letter to his Democratic House colleagues announcing plans, should Democrats retake the House this fall, to seek the number-two job of House Majority Leader. This would almost certainly entail a showdown with the current House Minority Whip, Steny Hoyer.
More in extended.
Current Minority Whip, and thought to be the most likely candidate for Majority Leader, Rep. Hoyer responded:
Mr. Hoyer has worked extraordinarily hard to unify the caucus and take back the House for Democrats and that is his first focus. As a result of that unity he is confident that we will be successful in November and intends to run for Majority Leader. He believes his work as whip, caucus chair, and with the DCCC has earned the support of the overwhelming majority of House Democrats.
The Plank also quotes a Democratic aide:
"A lot of members are very angry that Jack Murtha has decided to blow up the caucus and declare a leadership race when we are the most unified we've been in years. We're really focused on taking back the house and should not be distracted with a leadership race. It's going to be a huge diversion."
CNN reported that Zarqawi's death led to Murtha's decision to seek the Majority Leader position, arguing that now more than ever is the time to start deciding on a time-table for withdrawal. Though the timing is questionable, coming several months before the midterms and with the majority still quite up in the air.
Roll Call also notes:
Murtha is one of Pelosi’s top allies in the House, one of the architects of her 2001 victory over Hoyer. Earlier this week, Hoyer publicly pledged his loyalty to Pelosi, saying that he wants her to lead the Democrats whether they win or lose this fall.
You can read Murtha's two sentence letter to his fellow colleagues
here.