Nancy Pelosi re-elected Democratic House leader

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- The thrashing House Democrats took in the midterm election did not keep Nancy Pelosi from winning another term Tuesday as minority leader.

Pelosi, D-Calif., with no opposition, was unanimously re-elected in a closed door caucus, Democratic reprsentatives said. Minority Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland, Assistant Leader Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, and Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra of California were also returned to office.

"We have the political maturity to not scapegoat people when we fall short," said Rep. David Price, D-N.C.

The Republicans picked up at least 12 seats in the House, giving the party at least 244 seats. Depending on the outcome of a few close races, the party could have its largest House majority since 1928.

There was some grumbling within the caucus. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas suggested the party was too far to the left in 2014.

"I'm not advocating for a change, but they need to take the input of other members that are from swing states or tough districts," Cuellar said.

Rep. Marcia Fudge of Ohio, who heads the Congressional Black Caucus, was also unhappy.

"We think clearly there was a lack of a coherent and compelling message. We believe that certainly our leadership worked hard, but there obviously was something lacking because we lost so many seats," Fudge said. "I want to see members who have a better handle on the caucus brought in, whether they be young or old. I want people who have a good pulse of what is going on in our caucus ... people who are more inclusive."

Pelosi was also criticized for refusing to allow Rep. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois to vote by proxy. Duckworth, a double amputee war veteran, is pregnant and was unable to come to Washington for the vote.

Pelosi suggested her decision was routine since caucus rules have long banned proxy voting. But some of her members were unhappy and said that a party that claims to champion women should have supported Duckworth.