Congressional Black Caucus chairwoman - Barbara Lee - backs Reid

[jefferson_dem]

Congressional Black Caucus chairwoman backs Reid
By Michael O'Brien - 01/11/10 08:41 AM ET

The chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) said Monday she accepted Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's (D-Nev.) apology for racially insensitive remarks.

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), the chairwoman of the 42-member caucus, said Reid's remarks, which made reference to President Barack Obama's light skin and lack of "Negro dialect," shouldn't distract from Democrats' policy agenda.

"I have had an opportunity to speak with Senator Reid and he apologized for his unfortunate remarks concerning the President and he understands the gravity of such remarks," Lee said in a statement. "There are too many issues like the economy, job creation and energy for these regrettable comments to distract us from the work that must be done on behalf of the American people."

Reid has come under fire from Republicans after his comments, which were reported in the new book "Game Change" by political reporters Mark Halperin and John Heilemann. Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman and some top Senate Republicans have called on Reid to step aside from his leadership post.

Lee said Reid's record is full of examples of his work to benefit poor and minority communities, and said she "look forward to Senator Reid continuing to serve as Majority Leader to guide this important agenda through the Senate."

Other Democrats, including the president himself, have come to Reid's defense in recent days, saying that Reid has apologized, and that the matter is now finished.

"I appreciate Senator Reid’s apology and look forward to our continuing work," Lee said.

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/75145-cbc-chairwoman-backs-reid