Rep. Mel Watt elected head of black Dems

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Rep. Mel Watt, D-N.C., was elected leader of the Congressional Black Caucus Monday.

The group of black Democrats will have 43 members next year, 42 from the House and Sen.-elect Barack Obama of Illinois.

Watt succeeds Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland as the head of the group of typically outspoken lawmakers for a two-year term.

Rep. Corrine Brown will serve as vice chairwomen of the caucus beginning in January.

The caucus Monday also elected Michigan Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick second vice chairwoman, Illinois Rep. Danny Davis as secretary and California Rep. Barbara Lee as the caucus whip.