Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Whip Nancy Pelosi held a news conference on Capitol Hill this afternoon after her historic election as Democratic Leader by a 177-29 vote. The following is her opening statement:
"This is a staggering honor. My colleagues have honored me today with an overwhelming vote of support and I thank them. I particularly want to thank Dick Gephardt. He united our party and led with determination and grace. He built a strong foundation that allowed me to run a successful Whip operation and ultimately, to become Leader. His commitment to the American people sets the highest standard. He has accomplished a great deal, and I am sure there is more to come.
"I am pleased to be joined here by Harold Ford, a worthy opponent. Congratulations on your campaign, Harold -- I look forward to working with you.
"My first act as Minority Leader is to recommend to the Caucus as the Assistant to the Minority Leader, an elected position, the name of John Spratt of South Carolina. John is a person who enjoys an impeccable reputation among our colleagues for the kind of person he is and the caliber of work he does as the ranking Democratic on the Budget Committee.
"My theme as leader will be safety and soundness for the American people -- the safety to promote the common defense. John Spratt brings great credentials from the Armed Services Committee, on which he has served since 1982. He has been a leader in protecting the American people and protecting our men and women in uniform. He has also been a leader on the Budget Committee and that speaks to the soundness of our country. We want to develop a Democratic plan that promotes economic growth, giving the opportunity to all Americans to participate in that success.
"Last year, on September 11th, our country suffered a terrible trauma. Since then, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the President to fight terrorism and we will continue to do so. This has been a time of great patriotism in our country. The American people have given of their time, they have volunteered, given blood and given money. They have proudly displayed our flag.
"Yet in this last election, turnout was extremely low. It seems that the people did not equate patriotism with the need to vote and participate in the political process. As Democrats, our response must be to reach out to those patriotic Americans with a clear message that offers them a reason to vote and a sense that what happens in Washington matters in their lives. We need to increase our efforts to connect to the grassroots and increase turnout.
"This will require leadership with results. We will work together with the Republicans on terrorism and we shall seek common ground on domestic issues and on the economy. But where we cannot find common ground, we will stand our ground. We have a responsibility to do that for the American people.
"Whatever our position, I will work to raise the level of civility in political debate. We will have open, honest debates, and we will present clear alternatives in a civil manner that reflects the greatness of the institution we represent and the seriousness of purpose with which we take our work.
"The job ahead of us is big, but the Members of this Caucus have the credentials to get it done. Democrats will work together on the economy and build consensus on a plan for economic growth that includes all Americans.
"This is not about one side or the other. This is about working together to meet the needs of the American people."