And let the games begin - from NRO's The Corner:

LET THE BITTER, UGLY, INTERNECINE BATTLE BEGIN [Byron York]

Among Republicans? No way! Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer released this statement tonight responding to Speaker-to-be Nancy Pelosi's announcement that she would support Rep. John Murtha for House Majority Leader:

Nancy told me some time ago that she would personally support Jack. I respect her decision as the two are very close.

I am grateful for the support I have from my colleagues, and have the majority of the caucus supporting me. I look forward to working with Speaker Pelosi as Majority Leader.

Earlier today, Pelosi released a letter, reported by Roll Call, to Murtha in which she said:

With respect to Iraq in particular, I salute your courageous leadership that changed the national debate and helped make Iraq the central issue of this historic election. Your leadership gave so many Americans, including respected military leaders, the encouragement to voice their own disapproval at a failed policy that weakens our military and makes stability in that region even more difficult to achieve. The enthusiastic response of Americans all across this nation gave an enormous lift to our Democratic efforts, and your unsurpassed personal solicitations produced millions of dollars which were new to the effort. Those resources made a huge difference and particularly for the candidates on whose behalf you campaigned.

The letters set the stage for what will undoubtedly be an ugly fight for the number-two spot in the House. And if Hoyer wins, it will be Pelosi's first loss. And of course, if that happens, they then face the task of working together.

And if Murtha loses, the anti-war base will be angry.

A nice pickle for the Democrats to be in right at the start of their majority...though I suspect that Pelosi will do some arm twisting to get Hoyer to back down (he does have some skeletons in his closet - as do all senior Democrats - and thus is open to pressure at need).

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