This week, several women were elected to positions of leadership within their respective political parties. In a historic vote, the House Democratic Caucus elected Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to serve as the first woman Speaker of the House. The full House must vote to elect her on January 4, 2007, the opening day of the first session. Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX) defeated Rep. Steve Pearce (R-NM), 124-63, to serve as Vice Chair of the Republican Conference.
On the Senate side, Sen. Patty Murray was elected Secretary of the Democratic Caucus, a position vacated by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). Sen. Stabenow will lead the Steering and Outreach Committee, a position vacated by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY). Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) will serve as the chair of the Republican Policy Committee, a post previously held by Sen. John Kyl (R-AZ).
