This is a pretty big deal, as endorsements go: House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn endorsed Steve Benjamin for mayor today.

According to a press release from Benjamin's campaign, Clyburn said "Steve Benjamin is not a business as usual politician and he will not be a business as usual mayor."

The endorsement has roots; the two men know each other from when Benjamin ran for state attorney general several years ago, and when he headed up the Richland County Democratic Party.

A number of Benjamin's early campaign donors were current and past Clyburn staffers. Clyburn has showed up at at least one campaign event for Benjamin here in Columbia. And Benjamin's campaign held a fundraiser last fall in Washington. D.C.

Clyburn has recorded a radio ad for Benjamin.