By AFRO Staff
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John Thompson, chairman, Symantec Corp. (Courtesy Photo)
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(February 4, 2009) - As reports circulated that President Obama would choose Republican Sen. Judd Gregg to head the Commerce Department, the Congressional Black Caucus had been lobbying the president to pick African-American technology executive John Thompson.
Thompson is chairman and chief executive officer of Symantec Corp, the software security company best known for its Norton computer protection products. He’s expected to step down in early April.
In a letter to Obama, CBC members said Thompson is the only African American leading a major technology company. Signed by 38 of the 41 CBC members and obtained by The Hill, the letter also lists the seven Black cabinet members chosen by President Clinton during his two terms. Obama has selected four African Americans for cabinet positions.
Thompson was reportedly one of the first technology executives to support Obama. He contributed the maximum $4,600 to Obama’s campaign before the first primary.
Obama had nominated New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to fill the Commerce post, but Richardson withdrew because of a legal probe.