The Congressional Black Caucus is lobbying President Obama to name Assistant House Democratic Leader James Clyburn, D-S.C., as his new Transportation secretary.
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Rep. Marcia Fudge, the Ohio Democrat who chairs the caucus, told National Journal on Tuesday that she had sent a letter on behalf of the caucus to recommend Clyburn, who has long worked on transportation issues.
The advice comes as Obama has faced criticism for a lack of diversity in his Cabinet, exacerbated by the departures of a string of female and non-white officials. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, a former Republican congressman, announced last week that he was leaving.
Clyburn, the highest-ranking African American in the House, has held his seat since 1993. Fudge said that Clyburn’s appointment would be “a great loss” in Congress, but dismissed concerns about losing a prominent black voice there.
“We could find someone else to put in leadership,” she said.
The caucus last month recommended Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., for Labor secretary and Melvin Watt, D-N.C., for Commerce secretary.
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