House Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) speaks at an...

House Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) speaks at an election-night rally held by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. (Nov. 2, 2010) Credit: Getty Images

A group of Democratic House chairmen say Rep. Steny Hoyer should become the Democrats’ second in command in the next Congress when Republicans regain control of the House.

The endorsement from such veterans as Henry Waxman of California and Barney Frank of Massachusetts is the latest development in the race for the vote-counting whip post between the Maryland Democrat and Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina.

Clyburn, the highest ranking black member of the House, has the endorsement of the Congressional Black Caucus, among others.

House Democrats, still smarting from their Election Day losses, have been hoping to avoid a showdown between the two men.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who wants to continue to lead the Democrats next year, has not endorsed either man.

Both anger and happiness were felt as many, including LI Venezuelans, reacted to the U.S.-led ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. NewsdayTV’s Andrew Ehinger has more.  Credit: Morgan Campbell; Ed Quinn; AP; Facebook/ The White House; US Department of Defense/ US Southern Command; Photo Credit: Juan Barreto /AFP/ Getty Images/ TNS; White House Press Office/ EPA/Shutterstock; Tom Brenner/ Getty Images; Alex Brandon/ AP;

Mixed reactions after U.S. attacks Venezuela Both anger and happiness were felt as many, including LI Venezuelans, reacted to the U.S.-led ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger has more.

Both anger and happiness were felt as many, including LI Venezuelans, reacted to the U.S.-led ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. NewsdayTV’s Andrew Ehinger has more.  Credit: Morgan Campbell; Ed Quinn; AP; Facebook/ The White House; US Department of Defense/ US Southern Command; Photo Credit: Juan Barreto /AFP/ Getty Images/ TNS; White House Press Office/ EPA/Shutterstock; Tom Brenner/ Getty Images; Alex Brandon/ AP;

Mixed reactions after U.S. attacks Venezuela Both anger and happiness were felt as many, including LI Venezuelans, reacted to the U.S.-led ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger has more.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME