News In Brief

O'Neill renamed Speaker after a Texan bows out

House Democrats by acclamation renominated Rep. Thomas (Tip) O'Neill of Massachusetts as Speaker yesterday after a Texas conservative decided not to challenge him. House Republicans picked Rep. Robert Michel of Illinois as their leader for the 99th Congress, starting Jan. 3. Texas Democrat Charles Stenholm said he pulled out of the race after getting O'Neill's promise that conservatives would have a bigger say in party affairs.