WASHINGTON —  Current Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi was unanimously chosen by her caucus Thursday to be speaker of the House, becoming the first woman to be ensured the job that constitutionally is second in line of succession to the presidency.

Even as Pelosi was enjoying her finest hour politically, her fellow Democrats remained divided by a family feud over whom to select as her top lieutenant.

Pelosi officially takes the post in January, succeeding Republican House Speaker Dennis Hastert, whose party lost its majority in the Nov. 7 midterm election.

The House convenes around Jan. 3 and will formally elect Pelosi to lead the 110th session of Congress.