Skelton Supports Hoyer in Leadership Bid

Rep. Ike Skelton will support Rep. Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland as the new House Majority Leader when Democrats take over in January.

Rep. Hoyer, currently the number two Democrat in the House caucus, faces a tough challenge from anti-war Rep. John Murtha of Pennsylvania for the Majority Leader post.

From the Washington Times:

Steny has an unwavering commitment to core Democratic principles," a group of top Democrats wrote in a letter to colleagues on Mr. Hoyer's behalf. "There simply is no question that Steny is deeply committed to our Party's efforts on civil and human rights, our support for working men and women, our commitment to education and health care, and our fight to protect the environment - to name a few."

The letter was signed by Democratic Reps. Barney Frank of Massachusetts, John D. Dingell of Michigan, John Lewis of Georgia, Henry A. Waxman of California and Ike Skelton of Missouri, among others.

Skelton is slated to become the chairman of the influential House Armed Services Committee in January.