U.S. Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA), the Dean of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation, released the following statement on the election of Nancy Pelosi to be the Speaker of the House:

“Today the U.S. House of Representatives has made history.  We’ve elected a dynamic, dedicated, and strong Speaker of the House, and her name is Nancy Pelosi.  As a mother, grandmother, Congresswoman, and now Speaker, she will lead our Congress in a dignified, honorable, and new direction.  It was my honor to cast a vote for this new Democratic Speaker.  She is a woman of courage who serves in the best traditions of predecessors such as Massachusetts’ own Tip O’Neill and John McCormack."