LARSON ELECTED VICE CHAIR OF DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 1, 2006

LARSON ELECTED VICE CHAIR OF DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS

WASHINGTON, DC ? U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-1) was elected today as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus of the U.S. House of Representatives. Larson released the following statement:

?First and foremost I would like to say with great humility that I accept the confidence bestowed on me by my peers. I want to acknowledge my colleagues Jan Schakowsky and Joe Crowley for the campaign we waged, whose sole focus was to take back the House. I?ve been around government long enough to know you stand on the shoulders of those who came before you. Rosa DeLauro honored me by serving as one of my co-chairs and through her efforts and support throughout this entire process we were able to claim victory. I would also like to thank Connecticut?s senators, Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman for their incredible support as well.

?This victory could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of my other co-chair, Jack Murtha and my chief whip, Mike Capuano. This victory was a team effort and I wish to thank all the members who worked so tirelessly on my behalf.

?I look forward to working with Chairman Jim Clyburn on our mutual goal: to elect Nancy Pelosi the next Speaker and win back the House for the American people.?

Larson defeated Rep. Joe Crowley (NY-7) by a vote of 116 to 87. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-9) was eliminated in the first round of voting in the three-way contest.

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