Thom George: Rejecting Murtha Good Move

Issue: House Democrats on Thursday chose Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer to be House majority leader over Rep. John Murtha, the choice of Rep. Nancy Pelosi, in line to become speaker. Hoyer was elected on a vote of 149-86.

Thom George: The Democrats have rejected John Murtha and elected Hoyer to the majority leader post. This is probably good news, in my opinion, for two reasons: 1. Murtha had a lingering odor of corruption remaining from Abscam and the minority party would trumpet that. 2. Pelosi tried a power move to repay a longtime ally and thwart a longtime opponent, the majority rejected that tactic and asserted some independence. Good move.

DFO: On the positive side, House Dems are showing an inclination to keep their side clean. On the negative side, this was House Speaker To Be Nancy Pelosi’s first major play — and she backed a stinker.