WASHINGTON, June 14 (UPI) -- Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., has for now called off his bid to become majority leader if the Democratic Party wins the House in the November elections.
Murtha's decision was made public after a meeting Wednesday morning with Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who said it was in the best interest of the party trying to topple an already weakened Republican Party, The Hill reported.
Murtha made a surprise announcement Friday that he would enter the race -- a direct challenge to the party's current No. 2 in the House, Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md.
Murtha and Hoyer have had frequent power struggles in the past, including in 2001 when Murtha, a politician known for his deal-making, masterminded Pelosi's election as house minority whip over Hoyer, The Hill noted.
Murtha's challenge isn't over though, since Wednesday's announcement only indicated he wouldn't campaign for the seat before the election.
