Maybe I'm biased because we both went to Howard University, but for the life of me I can't figure out why Senate Democrats are blocking this nominee.

Civil-rights activist Niger Innis is wondering the same thing. In a piece posted at Townhall.com, Innis highlights the distinguished background of Aurelia Skipwith, President Trump's nominee to serve as a Deputy Assistant Secretary at The Department of Interior.

As Innis points out, Skipwith earned her undergrad degree from Howard, before getting a master's from Purdue and her law degree from The University of Kentucky. She also was introduced by her home-states African American, and Democrat, member of Congress:

And yet, Innis says Skipwith "committed a cardinal sin in the eyes of some blacks" by supporting President Trump and being nominated to a post in his administration:

The white, liberal senior Democrats on the committee were unimpressed. Aurelia Skipwith, however, has spent a lifetime overcoming prejudice and did so again. She did not whine or claim she was being mistreated, or that she needed special favors. After much effort, she was voted out for Senate floor consideration -- on a party line vote. Luckily, the Senate is run by Republicans. When confirmed by the full Senate she will become the first African-American to head the Fish and Wildlife Service. As Congressman Clay told the committee, “This is a historical nomination. We encourage our little black girls to take the road less travelled and embrace science, technology, engineering and math a field that is male dominated … she is the embodiment of what we instruct our children to do and be – educated, hardworking, excelling in their designated profession and contributing good to the world.”

 

I've gotten the chance to meet both Niger Innis and Aurelia Skipwith during their separate visits to Montana. Skipwith also has the support of several Montana-connected organizations, including the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the NRA, the US Chamber, the Safari Club, and more.

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