Washington (CNN) -- House Democrats voted Wednesday to make Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, their leader for the 112th Congress, overcoming objections from moderates who argued that she was partly responsible for the party's overwhelming defeat at the polls two weeks ago. Republicans, who won a net gain of at least 61 seats in the elections, will control the House next year. They unanimously chose to be led once again by veteran Ohio Rep. John Boehner, now in line to inherit the speaker's gavel from Pelosi. Pelosi turned back a challenge from North Carolina Rep. Heath Shuler, a member of the party's diminished centrist "Blue Dog" faction, in a 150-43 vote. The speaker -- now set to be House minority leader in January -- retained the solid support of party liberals, who have noted her fundraising prowess and past ability to lead congressional Democrats to power, among other things.
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Rep. Nancy Pelosi wins election as the Democratic House leader
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Rep. John Boehner wins election as the GOP House leader -- and likely the next speaker
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Shuler calls his contest with Pelosi a fight to ensure Democratic moderates are heard
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Reps. Steny Hoyer and Jim Clyburn retain the second and third Democratic slots
Under a deal brokered by Pelosi, Hoyer will become the minority whip in the next @placeholder -- the second Democratic slot -- while Clyburn will serve as assistant leader, a newly created third Democratic position.