House Democrats elect Pelosi as Whip

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- House Democrats selected Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California as Democratic whip Wednesday, the first time a woman has been elected to the second-highest ranking political position in the House.

She defeated Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer in a 188-to-95 vote by the House Democratic caucus on Wednesday morning. She had been considered a slight favorite in the race.

Pelosi, an eight-term representative from San Francisco, will serve as the top lieutenant to Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt of Missouri. She replaces Rep. David Bonior, who is leaving the House to run for governor of Michigan.