By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst

Jan. 30, 2008 – In a letter to President Obama Black lawmakers made their case for the appointment of John W. Thompson  as the next commerce secretary.  The open letter was signed by 38 of 41 members of the Congressional Black in an effort to lobby for Thompson’s appointment.  

Thompson is the chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the technology firm Symantec Corporation.  Symantec’s business focus is consumer software publishing, security, storage and systems management solutions technology.

According to “The Hill”, the letter was sent to the president last week and listed not only the call for Thompson’s appointment but pointed out Obama had fewer Black Cabinet members than served under President Bill Clinton.  During Clinton’s two terms he appointed seven African-Americans.  So far,  Obama has only named four African-Americans to his Cabinet.    

“We commend you for making diversity an important priority as you consider your Cabinet selections, in terms of race, perspectives, party and geography given past progress by other presidents in naming African-Americans to senior Cabinet posts,” the letter stated.

Thompson is no stranger to Washington he was appointed in 2002 by President George W. Bush to serve on the National Infrastructure Advisory Committee (NIAC).  They were tasked with making recommendations regarding the security of critical infrastructure in the United States. 

Obama had selected New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson for the position but Richardson pulled out in January because of pending legal inquiries. 

There is no confirmation from the White House that Thompson’s name is on the short list of candidates. But with him being one of the highest ranking technology executive he’s definitely in the running.

  Thompson’s undergraduate degree is from Florida A&M University and he has a master’s degree in management science from MIT’s Sloan School of Management.

Do you think Obama should select more African-American’s in his administration?

TAGS: Congressional Black Caucus, John W. Thompson, Symantec Corporation

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