Liberal East Bay Politician Named Black Caucus Chair

Following the historic election of President-elect Barack Obama, Representative Barbara Lee has been named the chair of the influential Congressional Black Caucus, which some say will give her a new, effective platform to enact the progressive reforms she is known for.

Lee, a Democrat who has represented Berkeley and other parts of the East Bay since 1998, is known as one of the most liberal members of the House of Representatives.

In 2001, she attracted national media attention as the sole member of Congress to vote against authorizing the use of force in Afghanistan following the Sept. 11 attacks.

In a statement, Lee, who was reelected in November with 86.1 percent of the vote, said her new position as the 21st chair of the caucus was an honor.

"I plan to build upon the great leadership of our former chairs and ... of those who paved the way for each of our members to have the honor to serve and fight for equality, justice and peace in our African-American communities and for the entire nation," Lee said in a written statement. "The (caucus) is rightly called the conscience of the Congress."

The caucus was formed in 1969 to help black Congress members promote their agendas. It had 13 members in 1969 and currently has 43, according to the caucus's Web site.

UC Berkeley political science Assistant Professor David Karol said he thought that although Lee's new role would have little practical effect on her constituents, it would allow her to push her policy priorities.

"It does give her a platform, but I don't think it's going to bring radical change to the district," he said.

Robert Van Houweling, assistant professor of political science, said the caucus position will allow Lee to promote polices, but not necessarily enact them.

"It's basically what she makes out of it," he said. "It is important, but not as important automatically as a committee chairmanship would be.

"It doesn't give her jurisdiction over a set of policies," he added.

Berkeley City Councilmember Max Anderson said he was excited by the prospect of having his local congressperson be a national figure.

"It's a tribute not only to Barbara, but to this area that has stood behind Barbara in every issue-from her opposition to the war and concern for AIDS around the world," he said.

Will Kane of The Daily Californian contributed to this report.

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