Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif., on Tuesday night confirmed his intention to remain in Congress rather than serve as President-elect Obama's U.S. trade representative.
In a statement, the eight-term lawmaker said that while he was honored to be considered by Obama, he would prefer to continue serving his Los Angeles-area district. "I am grateful for that privilege and now see a rare opportunity to push across the goal line much of the unfinished business of America," said Becerra, who will serve as vice chairman of the Democratic Caucus and as a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee in the 111th Congress.
Becerra said while working with Obama would be "the opportunity of a lifetime," he will nonetheless get that opportunity, just at the other end of Pennsylvania Ave. Becerra's decision ends a budding race to replace him as Caucus vice chairman, with a field that included Reps. Kendrick Meek of Florida, Joseph Crowley of New York, Marcy Kaptur of Ohio and Joe Baca of California and possibly others.
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