Democrats pick Senate leadership

No surprises here -- the real fireworks begin Thursday.

Published November 14, 2006 5:45PM (EST)

Well, now we know who'll be leading the Senate's Democrats when the new term convenes in January -- and there are no real surprises. Nevada's Harry Reid will be majority leader, and New York's Chuck Schumer will remain as head of the DSCC and also be vice chairman of the caucus. Dick Durbin of Illinois will be majority whip.

The real race to watch happens Thursday, when House Democrats will choose their majority leader in a race pitting Maryland's Steny Hoyer against Pennsylvania's Jack Murtha, who has been endorsed by House Speaker-in-waiting Nancy Pelosi. It will be the first test of just how much sway Pelosi has in her new position.

Senate Republicans will pick their new leaders Wednesday.


By Alex Koppelman

Alex Koppelman is a staff writer for Salon.

MORE FROM Alex Koppelman


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