(Columbia-AP) Dec. 10, 2003 - Sixth District Congressman Jim Clyburn is backing Missouri Representative Dick Gephardt for the Democratic presidential nomination. Clyburn announced his support Wednesday afternoon.

Clyburn was courted by all nine of the Democratic candidates, but says Gephardt was always Number One in his heart.

The endorsement of the former chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus is expected to carry significant influence in South Carolina, where many of the voters in the February 3rd primary are expected to be black.

Clyburn has been in Congress since 1993.

The endorsement comes just a day after former Vice President Gore endorsed former Vermont Governor Howard Dean for the nomination.

updated 3:11pm by Chris Rees