TPM: James Clyburn Running for Minority Whip [View All]

[flpoljunkie]

Clyburn Running For Minority Whip
Brian Beutler
November 5, 2010, 2:03PM

In a letter this morning, House Majority Whip James Clyburn asked for his colleagues support in a bid to be Minority Whip next Congress.

I am seeking your support and vote for Democratic Whip. Throughout the course of my tenure, I have demonstrated the ability and willingness to give selfless service to our Caucus. My record of leadership in our Caucus has prepared me well for the challenges ahead. I am confident we can rebuild the coalition that carried Democrats and President Obama into office in 2008 and that it will lead us on the road back to the majority in 2012.

This is pretty clearly a bid to squeeze Steny Hoyer out of the leadership. Hoyer's currently Majority Leader, but after his base of conservative Democrats was demolished in the last election, he'd have a hard time defeating either Pelosi -- who's running for Minority Leader -- or Clyburn.

You can read the full letter below the fold (at the link below).

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/11/clyburn-running-for-minority-whip.php?ref=fpi