CA-31: Becerra Tells Obama "No, Gracias"

Xavier Becerra has dashed the hopes of the next generation of Los Angeles Latino politicians by reportedly turning down an offer to join the Obama cabinet as U.S. Trade Representative. The prospect of the 31st Congressional district (in which MadProfessah has lived for over a decade) becoming open caused almost every big-name politician in Los Angeles to consider their future: Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina quickly said no, Los Angeles City Council Oresident Eric Garcetti was touted by progressives, potential 2010 primary rivals State Senator Gil Cedillo and openly gay Assemblymember John Perez were said to be considering throwing their hats into the ring.

But Becerra eventually said, "No, gracias" to the Obama job offer:

Becerra said he felt elated when first approached about the job, but that ultimately "I wasn't sure if at the end I only wanted to be focused on trade."

Becerra, who was just elected to his ninth term representing Los Angeles, faced competing pressures in considering whether to accept the Cabinet post.

He is moving up the ladder on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee that writes taxes and oversees health care and trade, and was just chosen vice chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.

It could be difficult for another Latino to immediately replace Becerra in the House Democratic leadership. Becerra said he heard from members of the Latino community who wanted to ensure he was involved as Congress grapples with immigration, health care, tax code reform and other issues.

Becerra clearly wants to be the first non-white Speaker of the U.S. House and is on track to make that happen. He's relatively young (51 on January 26 2009) and could see his ambition come to fruition within the next decade.