When U.S. Rep. John Murtha lobbied for the House majority leader position back in June in anticipation of a Democratic victory in November, the Post-Gazette said his ambition was " foolishly premature" and that it should "wait until the battle is done." As it turned out, the Johnstown Democrat gave up his leadership quest until after the elections.

Now that the battle is done and won, with Democrats controlling both the House and Senate, Mr. Murtha is back seeking to become the second-most important officeholder in the House after the speaker, who will be Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California. There's nothing foolish about Mr. Murtha's ambition now; it is timely and wise.

Far from being a sure bet for the post, which will be decided in a secret vote in Washington on Thursday, Mr. Murtha is seen as the underdog. That's because Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland has filled the No. 2 post for the Democrats for the last four years. He has the support of some senior Democratic congressmen as well as more than half of the incoming freshman class.

But Ms. Pelosi has written a letter of support for Mr. Murtha, one of her close allies. More than friendship, however, recommends Mr. Murtha as the one who should be chosen -- and Ms. Pelosi alluded to this in her letter.

Noting his opposition to the war in Iraq, she wrote: "Your leadership gave so many Americans, including respected military leaders, the encouragement to voice their own disapproval at a failed policy that weakens our military and makes stability in that region even more difficult to achieve."

The unfolding disaster in Iraq was one of the principal reasons that Americans decided to rebuke the Bush administration and its faithful followers in Congress. Although Democrats would be wise to give serious consideration to the eventual findings of the Iraq Study Group, headed by former Secretary of State James A. Baker III and ex-congressman Lee Hamilton, the Democratic leaders in the Senate are reported to be determined to push for troop withdrawals in a matter of months.

Mr. Murtha, of course, has had the courage to be speaking along these lines for almost a year -- and he has been demonized by the right for his trouble. In last week's election, however, the Swift Boat-like attacks were so many pea-shooters bouncing off his sterling reputation as an ex-Marine and decorated Vietnam veteran who is one of the most pro-military figures in Congress. He easily won re-election to a 17th term against Washington County Commissioner Diana Irey.

The American people want change, but it's a fair bet they also want leaders who are credible and responsible. Ms. Pelosi, whom Republicans like to paint as a San Francisco liberal, needs a plain-speaking warrior Democrat like Mr. Murtha at her side. The nation does too.