James Clyburn says supporting Clarence Thomas for supreme court ‘was mistake’

Congressman says Thomas abandoned his principles to become an extremist, hard-right member of bench

Senior Democratic congressman James Clyburn said his decision to support Clarence Thomas for a US supreme court seat was a mistake" and called for the expansion of the nation's highest legal panel to 13 justices.

Clyburn, of South Carolina, spoke up for Thomas at his fiery 1991 confirmation hearings, calling him a personal and professional friend" who would use their shared experiences lifting minorities and advancing civil rights to become a respected and accomplished jurist.