FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 17, 2004

CONTACT: Stacey Farnen Bernards 202-225-3130

DEMOCRATIC WHIP STENY HOYER ON RE-ELECTION TO HIS LEADERSHIP POST

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the Members of the Democratic Caucus unanimously re-elected him to serve as the Whip, the Party’s second-ranking leadership position:

“I want to thank the Members of the Democratic Caucus for this strong vote of confidence not only in me, but also in all the Members who serve in the Whip Operation.  Their hard work and willingness to reach out and listen to the views of every Democratic Member over the last two years helped our Caucus achieve unprecedented unity – and unity is a prerequisite to our political success.

“There is no doubt that we are deeply disappointed at the election results, but Democrats are not blowing the trumpet of defeat.  It is important to remember that poll after poll shows that the American people prefer the Democratic position on fiscal responsibility, education, health care and other issues.

“However, over the next two years, we are not going to pick fights simply for the sake of argument.  That is not what the American people want or deserve.  House Democrats stand ready to work with the Republican Majority when there is a common effort to find common ground.  But we will never run from a fight when we believe the best interests of America are at stake.

“In the 109th Congress, the Whip Operation intends to redouble its efforts to make clear to America that our Caucus stands for common-sense policies that will move our country forward.  We believe that the majority of Americans will stand with us and that together we will elect a Democratic House Majority in 2006.”

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