Congressional Black Caucus Wants Harry Reid to Continue as Majority Leader

The Congressional Black Caucus has responded to Republican calls that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid step down after making racially insensitive comments.

"I have had an opportunity to speak with Senator Reid and he apologized for his unfortunate remarks concerning the President and he understands the gravity of such remarks," said caucus Chairwoman Barbara Lee said in a statement. "There are too many issues like the economy, job creation and energy for these regrettable comments to distract us from the work that must be done on behalf of the American people. . . . I look forward to Senator Reid continuing to serve as Majority Leader to guide this important agenda through the Senate."

Reid came under fire last week when "Game Change," a new book about the 2008 presidential campaign, revealed that he referred in private conversation to Barack Obama's lack of a "Negro dialect." The remark was made while praising Obama's oratory, and Reid apologized for the "poor choice of words."

It was the second time in a month the majority leader has drawn fire for racial comments. In December, he compared the Democrats' fight to pass health reform to the war to end slavery, igniting a Republican backlash.