A Chequer-Board of Nights and Days

The two major political parties in the United States have stereotypes about them. Of the Democrats, it is said that when they wish to form a firing squad, it is in the shape of a circle.

One would expect that there aren't too many firing squads being formed in the world of the Democrats, what with an impressive midterm election and all. But one would be mistaken:

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), in line to become Speaker in January, is throwing her support to Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.) in the race for Majority Leader, a move that will be an early test of her influence and will weigh heavily on Murtha's contest with Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) for the post.

Pelosi, in a letter distributed Sunday to newly elected House Democrats, wrote that Murtha's outspoken opposition to the war in Iraq helped change the electoral campaign for the House this fall. Murtha began calling for a U.S. pullout from Iraq a year ago, and his open opposition to the war made him a focus of intense criticism from Republicans and the White House.

Pelosi, though, credited Murtha, one of her closest allies in the House, with changing the national debate on the issue and helping provide Democratic challengers and incumbents with a winning argument for the mid-term elections.

"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," Pelosi wrote in a personal letter to Murtha. "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."

Pelosi added: "Your strong voice for national security, the war on terror and Iraq provides genuine leadership for our party, and I count on you to continue to lead on these vital issues. For this and for all you have done for Democrats in the past and especially this last year, I am pleased to support your candidacy for Majority Leader for the 110th Congress."

Hoyer released his own letter on Friday signed by 21 of the 41 incoming Democrats, and his backers claimed that at least another five new Members would support his candidacy for Majority Leader, giving Hoyer claim to a huge block of votes.

"Nancy told me some time ago that she would personally support Jack," Hoyer said in a staement. "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."

The plot thickens. And Democrats are distressed:

The incoming Speaker credits Murtha for changing the debate on Iraq, which helped make Democrats a credible alternative to Republicans in the election, according to an official familiar with her position. "She also places a high premium on loyalty," the official said. "When he asked for her public endorsement, she was going to give it to him. He's with the left of the caucus on one issue -- the war. Other than that, he's far to the right." The official added that the squabble will not affect long-term public perceptions of the Speaker-to be. "This is like a high-school election," the official said. "People inside the Beltway will buzz about it for a week, but then no one will remember what happened."

Hoyer says he has commitments from 21 out of the 41 freshmen who will definitely be seated, and more than half the members of the caucus. He released a statement Sunday night saying: "Nancy told me some time ago that she would personally support Jack. I respect her decision as the two are very close."

Even so, many Democrats thought she would stay out of the race. "We had a great deal of unity last week and encouraging Murtha to run against Hoyer really threatens to fray that unity at a time when we want to project an image of being strong and together," said one Democratic aide. "It doesn't bode well for our first 100 hours. To be a majority party, you have to bring disparate groups together, and she's been given credit for being very good at that. If she departs from that record or that approach, it's harder to stay a majority."

Of course, this is not a mere "high-school election" and its effects will be long-lasting. If Hoyer is thrust out of the leadership, he will naturally carry a grudge and look for opportunities to avenge himself upon the incoming Speaker. If Hoyer wins, Pelosi looks immensely weak within her own caucus. And who knows how many Democrats resent their Speaker giving them broad hints as to who she wants in power.

Meanwhile, it is worth noting that one of the would-be Majority Leaders is in desperate need of lessons in logistics and geography. Fancy that.