Barbara Lee to head Congressional Black Caucus

[babylonsister]

Barbara Lee to head Congressional Black Caucus

Zachary Coile, Chronicle Washington Bureau

Thursday, November 20, 2008


(11-20) 04:00 PST Washington - --

Rep. Barbara Lee was named chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus on Wednesday, giving the Oakland Democrat a high-profile platform to push her priorities, from increasing funding for HIV/AIDS to pushing for a speedy withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.

At a news conference on Capitol Hill, the outgoing chairwoman, Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick, D-Mich., handed over the wooden gavel and praised Lee as a "stalwart for human rights, global peace and social justice." Lee had considered challenging Kilpatrick for the job in 2006, but bowed out to avoid a divisive caucus fight.

"This is quite a moment for me," a jubilant Lee told reporters and fellow caucus members. "Now, we have an opportunity to really continue to lead and to really continue to be the conscience of the Congress."

As chairwoman during the 111th Congress that starts in January, Lee will take a lead role in pushing the agenda of the 43-member caucus - known by its acronym, CBC - which has historically been among the more powerful voting blocs in the House, with immense influence over legislation, appropriations and even presidential appointments.

more...

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/20/MNBH147O7G.DTL

[NV Whino]

1. Hooray!

I keep hoping she will run for Senate and knock Feinstein out.

[lunatica]

3. I've actually told her that a couple of times when I've seen her

She just laughs. But I'm serious. I really dislike Feinstein and I really like Barbara Lee.

[G_j]

2. one of our very best! K&R

[bigwillq]

4. Sweet!

Good for her! :bounce: