Wednesday, January 10, 2007
GALESBURG - Along with the second committee assignment given to U.S. Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island, Tuesday, came a bit of an extra "honor."
The former union steward will serve on both the House Education and Labor and House Veterans' Affairs committees.
He also was appointed assistant whip under House Majority Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina.
"He's in a select group," said Kristie Greco, Clyburn's communication director. "Congressman Clyburn recognized his commitment to making change."
The two established a relationship during the fall campaign season, Greco said. There are about 40 assistant whips, only a handful of whom are freshman congressman like Hare, she said.
The whip is responsible for garnering votes and assistant whips are relied upon to reach out to congressmen from their respective regions to whip up support.
Hare is looking forward to serving in his new role.
"I was honored to be invited by Congressman Clyburn to join the Democratic leadership team," Hare said in a written statement. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance an agenda that benefits all Americans, not just the privileged few."
