Mich. lawmaker to head black caucus
The Congressional Black Caucus chose Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick to be its chairwoman for the next two years, when black lawmakers will wield more power in Congress than ever.
Kilpatrick (D-Mich., a former teacher and the mother of Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, was chosen unanimously. She succeeds Rep. Melvin Watt (D-N.C.).
Because Democrats will be in control when Congress convenes a new session Jan. 4, the 43-member caucus will take up a historic slate of leadership positions, including the third-ranking member in the House, Majority Whip James E. Clyburn of South Carolina.
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