The Associated Press

FRANKFORT - House Democrats considered three challenges to leadership positions, but made no changes Tuesday.

Ruth Ann Palumbo of Lexington, unsuccessfully challenged Joe Barrows of Versailles for majority whip.

House Republicans selected Ken Upchurch of Monticello as the new whip for their caucus. Former Whip Woody Allen retired.

Robin Webb, D-Grayson, noted that Mary Lou Marzian of Louisville also lost a race for speaker pro tem against Larry Clark of Louisville and Marie Rader of Jackson lost to Mr. Upchurch.

"You can't help but think about an underlying issue of gender," Ms. Webb said.

There have not been any females among House leadership positions in at least a generation. Ms. Palumbo is the only female committee chairman.

Charles Geveden of Wickliffe, who lost to Jim Callahan of Wilder for Democratic caucus chairman, said he does not expect retribution from Democratic leaders, who choose committee chairmen and assign memberships.

Ms. Palumbo is chairman of the Economic Development Committee and Mr. Geveden leads the State Government Committee.

House Speaker Jody Richards of Bowling Green and Democratic floor leader Greg Stumbo of Prestonsburg were not challenged.

Republican House leaders Jeff Hoover of Jamestown and Bob DeWeese of Louisville were re-elected as floor leader and caucus chairman, respectively, unopposed.