DEMS PICKING THEIR CHIEFS

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As the GOP plots its Capitol Hill revolution,the opposition it must contend with is taking shape: South Dakota Sen. Tom Daschle today claimed enough votes to prevail in his bid to become Senate minority leader over hopeful Chris Dodd of Connecticut. Daschle said a commitment by Alabama Sen. Howell Heflin gave him the 24th vote needed from a total of 47 Democrats when the vote is tallied Friday. Dodd refused to concede. "We're absolutely in the race," said his spokesman. The impact of a Daschle victory is unclear: Both are centrists, although Dodd has, historically, been more outspoken.In the House, the picture is more certain: Ex-presidential candidate Rep. Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.), the current majority leader, is expected to beat off a conservative challenge from Rep. Charlie Rose (D-N.C.). Rose claims support from 110 House members, while Gephardt says his supporters are in the 150 to 160 range. (At least one of them probably has it a little wrong, since only 204 Democrats will remain in the House next session.)Post your opinion on theWashingtonbulletin board.