WASHINGTON (AP) -- Maryland congressman Steny Hoyer has made it official: He's running to keep his position as the Democrats' second-in-command next year.
The announcement Monday sets up a showdown with Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina, the most senior black office holder in the Democratic caucus. But it's not clear the contest will last long.
The confrontation is one Democrats have been hoping to avoid, and there is talk that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who wants to remain leader of her party even in the minority, might create a leadership position for whoever drops out of the race.
Both men have been working the phones to line up support since the midterm elections delivered the House majority to Republicans.
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