As Democrats get used to being in the minority in the U.S. House,two members from Florida were named to roles in the Democratic leadership.
On Thursday, U.S. Rep. Steve Israel, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), named U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz as one of the organizations five national chairs. The South Florida congresswoman will handle member and candidate services.
Israel praised Wasserman Schutlz who served as a vice chair with the DCCC before. She will be overseeing parts of the 2012 congressional elections and focusing on redistricting. Florida will be in the front lines of redistricting fights since the Sunshine State will gain two new congressional seats in 2012.
Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz is a first-rate strategist who knows how to help members and candidates build and execute strong campaigns, said Israel. Im thrilled that Debbie will continue using her battle-tested leadership to win the tough fights ahead.
I am looking forward to working with Chairman Israel and the other chairs to assist Democratic candidates and members in their election efforts so we can regain the majority and continue the progress we have made on behalf of the American people, said Wasserman Schultz. We have a very capable team and we will work effectively to be on the offensive when it comes to redistricting and communicating our message in districts throughout the country.
Along with Texas Democrat U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, Wasserman Schultz was also named a vice chair of the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.
Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and Congressman Cuellar bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our fight to create jobs and uphold our promise of fiscal discipline, said U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who continues to lead Democrats as the House minority leader, on Thursday.
Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz has been a valuable asset to our caucus from her leadership on the Appropriations Committee to her hard work on behalf of Americas working families.Congressman Cuellar has been a strong leader in our Congress on fiscal responsibility and government reform, and I am thrilled that they have joined our leadership team as we work to create jobs, strengthen our middle class, and reduce the deficit in the 112th Congress.
Representing parts of Broward and Miami-Dade counties, Wasserman Schultz is also currently a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee under Chairman Tim Kaine, the former governor of Virginia.
Wasserman Schultz is not the only Florida Democrat to be included in the minority leadership. On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, who won a special election to Congress back in April after Robert Wexler resigned, was named an assistant whip under U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
