The Steny Hoyer camp just sent out a release touting the support of nine ranking members of the House for Hoyer's bid to become House Majority Leader. Here are the nine:

REP. JOHN DINGELL: Ranking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee REP. HENRY WAXMAN: Ranking Member on the House Government Reform Committee REP. BARNEY FRANK: Ranking Member on the House Financial Services Committee REP. TOM LANTOS: Ranking Member on the House International Relations Committee REP. JIM OBERSTAR: Ranking Member on the House Transportation Committee REP. BART GORDON: Ranking Member on the House Science Committee REP. IKE SKELTON: Ranking Member on the House Armed Services Committee REP. BENNIE THOMPSON: Ranking Member on the House Homeland Security Committee REP. JOHN SPRATT: Ranking Member on the House Budget Committee

For those of you who would rather pore over the minutia of Dem intraparty politics right now than go out to a bar for an after-work martini, we're bringing you the full text of the letter -- yes, all of it -- from the nine members to colleagues urging a vote for Hoyer. View it after the jump.

Full letter from the nine ranking House members on behalf of Hoyer:

November 14, 2006 Dear Colleague:

As the current Ranking Members of House Committees, we are writing today to ask that you support our current Whip, Steny Hoyer of Maryland, for the position of Majority Leader when our Caucus holds its organizational meeting on Thursday, November 16.

There simply is no question: Nancy and Steny have been a terrific team, unifying our Caucus over the last four years and working tirelessly to help us regain the House Majority. We believe that Nancy and Steny not only deserve great credit for bringing us to this point, but also will be the best team to lead our Caucus as we move forward in the Majority.

Since he was elected Whip, Steny has continually reached out to us - as the Ranking Democrats on House Committees - as we worked together on our Democratic proposals, message, Floor tactics and strategy. And, Steny has proven time and time again that he has the skills, ability and energy to help our diverse Caucus achieve consensus - and succeed.

Steny is an experienced and effective strategist and leader. In addition to serving as Whip the last four years, Steny also has served as Caucus Chair, Co-Chair of the Democratic Steering Committee and Chairman of the Helsinki Commission. Just this year, Steny has helped lead the fight to increase the federal minimum wage; he fights annually for education and health care funding; and he was the lead sponsor of the Americans With Disabilities Act. In addition, Steny is an effective communicator who can deliver the Democratic message on the range of issues that confront our nation.

Steny has worked non-stop for House Democrats. In this election cycle, Steny has raised or given more than $8 million for our efforts to take back the House. He traveled to 33 states and campaigned or recruited in 80 Districts - literally in every region of the country. It is clear that Steny's broad assistance to our incoming Freshmen, as well as many of the returning Members, was critical to their success on November 7.

Steny is a strong supporter of this institution. Steny is committed to building a House that we can be proud of and the American people can admire.

We are convinced that Steny will be a tremendous Majority Leader and asset for our Caucus. We strongly urge you to support his candidacy.