New Congress, Same Leaders
For the most part, the faces of the leaders in the upcoming 113th Congress will remain the same.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif, finally put the rumors to rest, revealing her plans to remain as a leading liberal voice on Capitol Hill.
The 13-term congresswoman made the announcement surrounded by the entire delegation of women in the Democratic caucus.
During the press conference, NBC's Luke Russert asked whether remaining as House minority leader prevents new and younger leaders from rising up the ranks.
His question sparked a nearly synchronized stream of hisses from the ladies on the stage. Here's some of the exchange:
RUSSERT: "You, Mr. Hoyer, Mr. Clyburn - you're all over 70. Does your decision to stay on prohibit younger leadership from moving forward."
PELOSI: "So, you're suggesting that everybody step aside?"
RUSSERT: "No, I'm simply saying that you're delaying younger leadership from moving forward in the House Democratic ranks."
PELOSI: "Let's for a moment honor that as a legitimate question, although that it's quite offensive."
Pelosi concluded by saying, as leader, she has worked to elect newer and younger people to the Congress.
Immediately after her announcement, however, her number two and number three - Reps. Steny Hoyer and James Clyburn respectively - announced their intentions to run for the same positions they now currently hold.
There was somewhat of a shakeup on the GOP side. House Republicans elected a woman to the fourth top post.
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., will serve as the House Republican Conference Chair.
Despite an inter-party challenge from Georgia conservative Tom Price, who was backed by Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., McMorris Rodgers' election assures that a woman is included in the House Republican leadership.
That's a particularly wise move considering the percentage of women that voted Democrat on Election Day.