The Washington Post
WASHINGTON — House Democrats chose California Rep. Nancy Pelosi as their new minority whip Wednesday, making her the highest-ranking woman in congressional history.
Pelosi, who defeated 11-term Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer 118 to 95, vowed to showcase her colleagues as part of the party’s effort to reclaim the majority in 2002.
"We made history, and now we have to make progress," Pelosi said in a press conference after the election.
The rivalry between Hoyer and Pelosi for whip, the leader responsible for rounding up the needed votes to pass legislation, sparked an internal debate about the future of the Democratic Party. Hoyer campaigned as a moderate who could help the party win in swing districts, while Pelosi argued her election and emphasis on rank-and-file members would convey a message of diversity to American voters.
Leadership contests are intensely personal, and often reflect a member’s individual lobbying skills rather than broad ideological positions. Pelosi’s camp launched an elaborate get-out-the-vote effort before the election, making 7:30 a.m. wake-up calls to supporters and ensuring that key lawmakers made it back to Capitol Hill on time.
Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Calif., one of Pelosi’s early supporters, rented a car and drove back from New York City on Tuesday night rather than relying on the train.
"I got here at about 3:30 a.m.," Sanchez said. "I didn’t want to miss the vote."
Lawmakers voted by secret ballot.
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