Democratic chairmen back Hoyer for No. 2 slot

[November 09, 2010]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- A group of Democratic House chairmen say Rep. Steny Hoyer should become the Democrats' second in command in the next Congress when Republicans regain control of the House.

The endorsement from such veterans as Henry Waxman of California and Barney Frank of Massachusetts is the latest development in the race for the vote-counting whip post between the Maryland Democrat and Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina.

Clyburn, the highest ranking black member of the House, has the endorsement of the Congressional Black Caucus, among others.

House Democrats, still smarting from their Election Day losses, have ben hoping to avoid a showdown between the two men.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who wants to continue to lead the Democrat next year, has not endorsed either man.

[Associated Press; By LAURIE KELLMAN]

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