Blogoland

Interesting gambit by the House leaders to call a vote on Murtha's resolution for an immediate withdrawl in Iraq.

House Republicans sought a showdown Friday with Democrats on a proposal by one of their most senior members to force an end to the U.S. deployment of troops in Iraq.

Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., offered the resolution demanding a pullout. The GOP-run House was expected to reject it — and make a prominent statement about where Congress stands on Iraq — as the chamber scurried toward a Thanksgiving break.

"We'll let the members debate it and then let them vote on it," said Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., the acting majority leader.

Now Hastert and Blount are holding a press conference. They say debate will be at 6 PM, vote at 7. Get the popcorn.