Give Clyburn another term

Democrat James E. Clyburn, as majority whip, is the most powerful South Carolinian in the U.S. House since Mendel Rivers. He earned that status through his mastery of the legislative process and his strong work ethic. He has earned the 6th District's support for re-election to a ninth term.

We disagree with Rep. Clyburn, a self-described "liberal," on many issues. Yet we admire his devotion to his constituents and his bipartisan achievements, including the Gullah-Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor from North Carolina to Florida.

Rep. Clyburn, the first black person to represent our state in Congress since Reconstruction, told us he's still pushing for "infrastructure, infrastructure, infrastructure" along the I-95 corridor. He wants to use Medicare, Medicaid and existing community health care centers as a foundation for a health care system that is "accessible, affordable and emphasizes prevention." He advocates increased use of nuclear energy and hails biodiesel, wind and solar for "a smorgasbord of energy sources."

He said he would urge Barack Obama, if elected president, to name Colin Powell "a special enjoy to the Mideast" and to ask current Defense Secretary Robert Gates to keep his job.

Rep. Clyburn defends his use of "earmarks," arguing that they have helped fund many worthy projects, including the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and clean water for rural folks in his mostly low-income district. But he acknowledges the need for more transparency in the process.

Rep. Clyburn was born into a place and time when the ascent of any black person to his lofty position of power seemed far-fetched. Yet the minister's son rose from teaching public school to serving as the first black aide to an S.C. governor and later the first black director of a state agency, the S.C. Human Affairs Commission.

He has earned his position as a prominent congressional leader. And he clearly deserves re-election.