WASHINGTON — Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas is playing coy about whether she wants President Obama to nominate her to serve as the next Secretary of Homeland Security.
Asked by The Daily Caller on Tuesday about the Congressional Black Caucus’ lobbying on her behalf for the appointment, Jackson Lee declined to say whether she’s interested in the post, saying, “I don’t have any comment.”
But asked about the Black Caucus’ letter recommending her, Jackson Lee couldn’t resist expressing her joy.
“I just have a big smile on my face,” she said — while indeed smiling — in a brief interview after the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.
It was reported this week that Rep. Marcia Fudge — the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus — sent a letter to Obama last week pushing him to appoint Jackson Lee.
“Representative Jackson Lee would serve as an effective DHS Secretary because she understands the importance of increasing border security and maintaining homeland safety,” Fudge wrote.
The lobbying on Jackson Lee’s behalf comes after last week’s announcement that Secretary Janet Napolitano is resigning so she can take over the University of California System.