Profile of House Majority Whip James Clyburn, Most Powerful South Carolina Democrat

Yesterday, three days before the South Carolina Democratic primary set for January 26, Barack Obama received the glowing endorsement from the state's largest newspaper. But that's not the Carolina endorsement most cherished by Democrats. Wrote the State:

" Sen. Obama’s campaign is an argument for a more unifying style of leadership. In a time of great partisanship, he is careful to talk about winning over independents and even Republicans. He is harsh on the failures of the current administration - and most of that critique well-deserved. But he doesn’t use his considerable rhetorical gifts to demonize Republicans.

"He’s not neglecting his core values; he defends his progressive vision with vigorous integrity. But for him, American unity - transcending party - is a core value in itself. "

While I'm sure Sen. Obama feels honored to earn such rich praise, the endorsement the Democratic candidates crave is that of Rep. James Clyburn, the most powerful Democrat in South Carolina and the third-ranking member of the House of Representatives.

Rep. Clyburn, a former high school history teacher, is also the highest ranking African-American member of Congress. Well-respected in his home state, Clyburn's coveted endorsement would be a boon to Obama, Clinton or Edwards. Legend has it that Clyburn's annual Fish Fry is THE annual Democratic political event in South Carolina.

He's known Bill and Hillary Clinton for decades. And before Obama threw his hat in the presidential ring, the Illinois senator reportedly consulted Rep. Clyburn for his advice. John Edwards is a native son of South Carolina, and Clyburn, of course, knows all politicos from the Carolinas.

Will James Clyburn Endorse Before the Primary?
Clyburn issued a statement in early 2008:

"I made a commitment to my state and the national party not to do anything to discourage the candidates from participating in the campaign or the debates in South Carolina, and that is why I have remained neutral."

But a few days ago, after Hillary Clinton made what many in the African-American community regarded as remarks diminishing Martin Luther King, Jr.'s achievements, James Clyburn was disturbed, and half-threatened to make an endorsement.... one that ostensibly would not please the Clinton camp.

Additionally last week, after Bill Clinton's public trashings of his wife's top rival for the presidential nomination, James Clyburn sternly warned the former president to "chill" and agreed that Bill needs to "dial back" his behavior. (See the YouTube clip here.)

Take the time to learn more about this interesting and distinguished Congressional leader who's been a fighter for civil rights since he was president of the NAACP junior chapter in South Carolina when he was 12 years old.

See my new Profile of Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina, House Majority Whip.

(Photo of Rep. Clyburn and Speaker Pelosi: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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House Committee Chairs for the 110th Congress, 2007-08
New York Times, Jan 11, 2008: Civil Rights Tone Prompts Talk of an Endorsement