Murray wins Democrat leadership post

[Ron Burgundy]

AP - Sen. Patty Murray (news, bio, voting record), D-Wash., won a leadership post Tuesday as Senate Democrats organized their new majority following last week's elections.

Murray, who is in her third term, was named secretary of the Democratic caucus, replacing Sen. Debbie Stabenow (news, bio, voting record), D-Mich., who is stepping down to lead the Senate Democratic Steering Committee. The secretary's job is the third-ranking post in the Senate hierarchy, behind Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin, D-Ill.

"It is tremendous honor to join this leadership team," Murray said at a Capitol news conference. She pledged to work to help young people go to college, make prescription drugs more affordable under Medicare and work for services for veterans, especially those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Our country is once again strong and we are at your back," Murray said, referring to veterans.

When Congress convenes in January, Murray also is expected to head an Appropriations subcommittee controlling billions of dollars in transportation spending, and move up to a senior post on the Veterans Affairs Committee.

Sen. Maria Cantwell (news, bio, voting record), D-Wash., who was re-elected to a second term last week, is expected to lead a Commerce subcommittee on fisheries and the Coast Guard.