GOPer Franks recants; stays in Black Caucus - Representative Gary Franks, the only Republican member of the Congressional Black Caucus

"As long as I am a member of Congress and Black, I will continue to belong to the CBC," said Rep. Gary Franks (R., Conn.), the first and only GOP voting member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).

The statement ended a two-day turmoil started when Rep. Franks threatened to resign from the 40-member, pro-Democratic organization after a history of being ousted from some of the group's meetings which had been restricted to only Democrats.

For a prying news media which had been preying on the Black lawmakers ever since the CBC called off a White House meeting with President Clinton, Rep. Franks was the easiest target for them to begin sniping at among the members.

After scheduling a news conference the next day to announce the decision, Rep. Franks surprised the crowded press conference by stoutly defending his caucus membership.

"I had planned to resign today," said Rep. Franks. "Though I believed that, I should leave, I have been compelled to stay by my constituents. Over the weekend I have been inundated with phone calls to my home in Waterbury. The vast majority of the people expressed their objection to my CBC resignation.

"When it came to issues affecting African Americans, I can be more effective within the CBC than outside, regardless of the level of participation granted by the 39 other members," Rep. Franks pointed out.

Reminded of the subtle impact he had during the cofirmation of Justice Clarence Thomas, the lone GOPer also was praised for "the small role' he played between House Republicans and CBC members on the recent civil rights bill. The bill failed in the House in 1990 but in 1991 it passed with nearly 400 votes.

Sounded off the GOPer, "I am not going to express any other concerns or problems I have with the CBC. It is my opinion that what occurs in the CBC, or in any other caucus for that matter, should be left in the caucus."