Johnson Sends Letter to Congressional Black Caucus and Democratic Party Leaders

BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert L. Johnson, Founder and Chairman of The RLJ Companies sent a letter to the Congressional Black Caucus urging them to contact their Democratic colleagues and encourage them to lend their full support to Congressman James Clyburn in his bid for House Minority Whip. Johnson will also reach out to African American leaders and request that they also send similar letters of support for Clyburn to Democratic Members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

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Johnson's letter reads:

I want to inform you of my intent to release a statement this week strongly encouraging you, as a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, to support your esteemed colleague, and my good friend, Representative James Clyburn as the next Minority Whip in the U.S. House of Representatives.

As you are well aware, Jim has served for 18 years and not only has a strong standing throughout the Congress having served as Majority Whip, but as a distinguished Member of the CBC. He is a steadfast advocate for issues that have a direct impact on the African American community, and his voice must remain at the forefront of the 112th Congress. To diminish his leadership role in Congress would run the risk of losing a significant part of the Black vote, a decision the Democratic Party cannot afford at this most critical time in history.

Black voters are the strongest voting bloc and have continuously shown their dedication to the Democratic Party.  As a constituency, African Americans are engaged in our country's political process now more than ever and Congressman Clyburn is the voice and face that we need to lead the Democratic Party in the Congress.

During this transition of Party leadership, it is imperative that the interests of African Americans i.e. health care, jobs, access to capital, homeownership, and education continue to be represented in the upcoming Republican-controlled House. Supporting Congressman Clyburn's bid for Minority Whip will ensure that this will happen.

I urge you to contact your Democratic colleagues to cast their vote in support of Congressman Clyburn as he seeks to maintain a leadership position within the U.S. House of Representatives.

About The RLJ Companies: The RLJ Companies, founded by Robert L. Johnson, is an innovative business network that provides strategic investments in a diverse portfolio of companies. The RLJ Companies seeks to target undiscovered or underserved markets then exercise solid management to achieve results. Within The RLJ Companies portfolio, Johnson owns or holds interests in businesses operating in hotel real estate investment; private equity; financial services; asset management; insurance services; automobile dealerships; sports and entertainment; and video lottery terminal (VLT) gaming. The RLJ Companies is headquartered in Bethesda, MD, with affiliate operations in Charlotte, NC; Little Rock, AR; Los Angeles, CA; San Juan, PR; and Monrovia, Liberia. Prior to founding The RLJ Companies, Johnson was founder and chairman of Black Entertainment Television (BET). For additional information please visit: www.rljcompanies.com. Media Inquiries: Traci Otey Blunt, 240.744.7858 or press@rljcompanies.com

SOURCE The RLJ Companies

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