Sumter native earned leadership role.
Rep. Jim Clyburn's election as House majority whip Nov. 16 speaks
well of both him and our state, and it is a significant achievement
for African Americans in Congress. Clyburn, the first black
congressmen from the Palmetto State since Reconstruction, now is the
third-ranking member of Congress and the highest-ranking African
American in either House.
According to The Associated Press, he said after his election:
"What I want to do with this position is demonstrate ... that skin
color ought not matter in trying to carry out effective policies and
programs for our country." The unanimous election speaks well of
Clyburn's abilities, and of the impression he has made on his fellow
Democrats in his 14 years in the House of Representatives.
Clyburn, 66, is a Sumter native who first was elected in 1992 to
represent the 6th Congressional District. He has served since. His
hard work for his party in various capacities, most recently
Democratic Caucus chairman, earned him this leadership position. His
new role as majority whip is to line up votes for Democratic
legislation.
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South Carolina residents and constituents in the 6th District
should be proud of this native son who has risen from a childhood in
segregated South Carolina, when it was difficult to envision a black
man even being elected to Congress, to become a ranking leader in
the House.
Clyburn's new role is a tribute to his leadership ability as well
as this state's ability to produce effective leaders.
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