(Washington, DC) - Congressman James E. Clyburn is expected to be elected Chair of the House Democratic Caucus at a special Caucus meeting on Friday, December 16th at 9:00 a.m. Clyburn, currently Vice Chair of the Caucus, is the only announced candidate for the position. The special meeting was called by current Caucus Chair Bob Menendez, who will be stepping down by January 17, 2006 when he will officially take over New Jersey Governor-elect Jon Corzine's vacated seat in the U.S. Senate.
"I hope to receive the full support of my colleagues in the Democratic Caucus," Congressman Clyburn said of Friday's election. "I have worked closely with Bob as Caucus Vice Chair the past three years, and I am confident that I can make a seamless transition into the role as Chair.
"I announced my candidacy to succeed Bob six months ago. His appointment to the Senate simply means I will get the opportunity one year earlier than expected," Congressman Clyburn said. "My mother always counseled me to work on getting rid of all my vices. This is a vice I look forward to shedding."
If elected Chair, Congressman Clyburn's first responsibility will be to lead the Democratic Caucus' Issues Conference February 2-4, 2006 in Williamsburg, Virginia. The position of Chair is the number three leadership position in the House Democratic Caucus.
# # #