Xavier Becerra Elected Vice-Chair Democratic Caucus
by Sharon Kyle –
Xavier Becerra, congressional representative of the 31st district in California was recently elected Vice Chairman of the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives for the 111th Congress.
Shortly after the announcement of his election, a group of his constituents signed congratulatory photos and presented them to him at a coffee meeting he hosts once a quarter, usually in the auditorium of a local elementary school.
Dick and I live in the 31st CD, are strong supporters of Becerra and we try to attend these coffees whenever possible.
When asked about being elected to the position of Vice Chair Becerra said, “I am honored by the confidence my colleagues have placed in me to serve as Vice Chair of our talented and diverse Democratic Caucus. Leadership means service, and now is the time to deliver for those we serve.”
He also noted that he ran against his colleague and friend Marcy Kaptur. Rep. Becerra won the race for Vice Chair of the Caucus receiving 175 votes to Rep. Kaptur’s 67 votes.
But what does this win mean and what role does the Democratic Caucus play in the overall scheme of things?
According to the Democratic Caucus U.S. House of Representatives website, the Democratic Caucus is a service-oriented organization for all Democratic Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. As the only subgroup within the House of which every Democrat is a Member, the Caucus seeks to achieve consensus and to ensure Members have the tools to implement it.
The Caucus nominates and elects the House Democratic Leadership, approves committee assignments, makes Caucus rules, enforces party discipline, and serves as a forum to develop and communicate party policy and legislative priorities.
This caucus is currently chaired by Rahm Emanuel and vice-chaired by John Larson. Xavier Becerra will succeed Larson.
(update) There is a report on CQ Politics that Barack Obama has offered Xavier Becerra a Trade Representative post. Stay tuned. Things may be changing for Mr. Becerra and sooner than we thought.
Sharon Kyle
Publisher, LA Progressive.
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