WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sen. Patty Murray, 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, 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.