WASHINGTON (November 17, 2004) — The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops elected a new president and vice president Monday to serve three-year terms beginning at the conclusion of their semi-annual meeting here today.

Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, Wash., was elected president from a slate of ten nominees on the first ballot with 120 votes. He succeeds Bishop Wilton D. Gregory of Belleville, Ill. Full results follow:

Name	Vote
Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein	4
Archbishop Charles Chaput	5
Bishop Blase Cupich	2
Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan	4
Cardinal Francis George	53
Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas	6
Archbishop William J. Levada	5
Cardinal Justin Rigali	15
*Bishop William S. Skylstad	120
Bishop Donald W. Wuerl	18

The remaining nine candidates constituted the slate for vice president. Because no candidate achieved the required absolute majority on the first two ballots, a third ballot, was required. The third ballot consisted of the top two vote getters. Cardinal Francis George of Chicago was elected. He succeeds Bishop Skylstad. The tally follows:

Name	1st Ballot	2d Ballot	3d Ballot
Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein	4	0	-
Archbishop Charles Chaput	6	2	-
Bishop Blase Cupich	5	1	-
Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan	17	4	-
*Cardinal Francis George	83	108	118
Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas	21	11	-
Archbishop William J. Levada	15	2	-
Cardinal Justin Rigali	15	6	-
Bishop Donald W. Wuerl	66	95	112

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