Republicans choose House leaders

Signaling some continuing dissatisfaction, House Republicans Wednesday took three ballots to re-elect Majority Leader Richard Armey, R-Texas, but unanimously elected House Appropriations Chairman Robert Livingston, R-La., to succeed outgoing House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga.

Following the three ballots, Armey told reporters he had faced "effective competition," adding he has been provided with a "more clearly honed opportunity" to serve as majority leader. Republican Conference Vice Chairwoman Jennifer Dunn of Washington, one of Armey's opponents, sounded conciliatory, saying it is "very important ... to bring unity back to our team." But a clearly disappointed Rep. Steve Largent, R-Okla., who lost on the final ballot to Armey, said he does not like to lose, and added that he will continue to fight for what he believes in.

On the first ballot, Armey received 100 votes to 58 for Largent, 45 for Dunn and 18 for Chief Deputy Majority Whip Dennis Hastert, R-Ill. Hastert's name had been placed in nomination even though he was not a declared candidate and had endorsed Armey. On the second ballot, Armey received 99 votes, Largent 73 and Dunn 49. On the third ballot, Armey received 127 votes and Largent 95.

To no one's surprise, Republicans nominated Livingston as their candidate for speaker without opposition. He will be formally elected speaker when the 106th Congress convenes Jan. 6.

In accepting the post, Livingston praised Gingrich, telling the conference that Gingrich had "seized greatness" and that, in time, history will "see the meaning of the great movement he led." In his speech to the Conference, Livingston said, "While Newt stood before you with his contract, I stand before you with a new covenant to enact our agenda and build our bases." He said analysts should not misinterpret the recent election, saying that "there are some who insist the Republican era is over. ... It isn't true and they know it." He added that President Clinton has succeeded in keeping his ratings high by "spouting Republican philosophy."

Livingston acknowledged that Republicans had faltered in the recent election, saying: "When we didn't clearly define ourselves, we let the other party define us. The sad fact is, our opponents did a better job of misrepresenting the truth than we did of telling it."

While he mentioned a Republican agenda of saving Social Security, improving schools and improving defense capabilities, he also said he wants to work with Democrats. "We Republicans lose nothing by reaching out to the other side, to talk and listen and work in tandem with those who may share some of our goals and dreams," he said. Re-elected House Majority Whip Tom DeLay, R-Texas, said, "Our members are not down. They are very much up. They have the majority. They are unified." DeLay said the Republican majority can "continue with our agenda. We can do it on a five-vote margin and we will do it on a five-vote margin."