From: Ann Curley/CNN
In: Washington
Posted 7-16-97

Subject: House GOP Elects Two Women To Leadership Posts

The House Republican Conference has elected two women to fill the leadership spots opened up by the upcoming departure of Rep. Susan Molinari (R-N.Y.).

Molinari is leaving Congress to work as a political commentator for CBS. She served as a member of the House Republican leadership, as vice chair of the GOP Conference.

Rep. Jennifer Dunn (R-Wash.) handily won Molinari's position, defeating Rep. Jim Nussle (R-Iowa) 129-85.

Dunn served as the GOP conference secretary until she won the new position. Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-Ohio) will now fill Dunn's former leadership position.

After the GOP Conference meeting concluded, House Speaker Newt Gingrich praised both new officers, saying their election "brings an infusion of new energy and new ideas into the leadership."