On Wednesday, Rep. David E. Bonior (D-Mich.) announced that he will run for governor, opening up the highly sought-after House minority whip position in the Democratic Caucus.

Hoyer (Dist. 5) of Mitchellville and Pelosi, who grew up in Baltimore where her father, Tommy D'Alessandro, was mayor, have been eyeing a face-off since word surfaced months ago that Bonior was considering a gubernatorial run.

The selection of the new minority whip could come as soon as members return from the August recess or as late as the end of the year, depending on when Bonior decides to relinquish the post.

"We are going to evaluate the whip post this fall and make a decision from there," said Mark Fisk, Bonior's press secretary. "The point of an actual date of stepping down has not yet been broached with the representative."

But Hoyer said he expects Bonior to resign after the August break.

"I expect he [Bonior] will be deciding soon after we get back as to when he will step down and the caucus election will take place soon afterward, most likely sometime in October," Hoyer said.

Until Bonior steps down, Hoyer and Pelosi will continue to try to shore up votes within the caucus.

With only four Maryland votes in the Democratic Caucus, Hoyer faces a challenge equaling Pelosi's 32 colleagues from California. There is also sentiment among some Democrats that it is time to elevate a woman to a leadership role in the House.

"It's a close race for the minority whip seat, and I definitely face an uphill battle matching the votes that my opponent has from her state alone, but I'm doing pretty well and am optimistic of my chances," Hoyer said.

Positioning for Bonior's seat by Hoyer and Pelosi began during the 1997 impeachment proceedings of former President Clinton. When the Democratic Caucus picked up five seats during the mid-term election, seizing control of the House in the 2000 election seemed possible. If the Democrats had taken control, the caucus whip seat would have become vacant with Bonior becoming majority leader and Richard Gephardt (Mo.) sitting as speaker of the House.