Hoyer, Clyburn rivalry turns sour

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. James Clyburn says U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer, his rival for minority whip in the upcoming Congress, is making fellow Democrats uncomfortable.

Clyburn's comments are the first sign the minority whip race may be turning bitter as the Democrats go from majority to minority, The Hill newspaper reported. The contest between South Carolina's Clyburn and Maryland's Hoyer came about after Speaker Nancy Pelosi said last week she wants to keep her position as party leader, becoming minority leader.

Clyburn said Hoyer's strategy of naming his supporters is threatening a process that traditionally has been "about respecting and honoring" fellow Democrats, The Hill reported. "This is not about playing the numbers game," Clyburn, the current Democratic whip, told the newspaper.

The Hill said Hoyer's office has not been shy about releasing the names of those members supporting Hoyer, 71, currently the majority leader. Clyburn's office has chosen not to announce endorsements before they become public.