Despite being a freshman, U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, D-Fla., could be moving up the Democratic leadership ladder as her name emerges as a contender to lead the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC).
Roll Call reported on Tuesday that Frankel is a serious contender to replace outgoing U.S. Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., in leading the DCCC, the Democratic Partys chief effort in recruiting new candidates, protecting incumbents and coordinating fundraising and campaign efforts.
I am focused right now on electing as many Democrats to Congress as possible for the 2014 cycle, Frankel told Roll Call. I will be honored to continue these efforts going forward in whatever capacity I can be most helpful.
Frankel did not slam the door on leading the DCCC in her conversation with Roll Call.
U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., will choose the DCCC chair. Other names in contention include: U.S. Rep. Donna Edwards, D-Md., U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., U.S. Rep, Joseph P. Kennedy, D-Mass., and U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo. While Frankel is not considered a front-runner for the position, her fundraising prowess has opened eyes at the DCCC.
Frankel took a step up the Democratic ladder back in May when Israel named her as a vice chairwoman of the DCCCs Red to Blue program as they look to defeat Republican members of Congress. Israel also named Edwards as chairwoman of the Red to Blue program for the second election cycle in a row, while U.S. Rep. Denny Heck, D-Wash., was named a vice chairman. Even before being named to vice chairing the Red to Blue efforts, Frankel had co-chaired the DCCCs WomenLEAD program.
For almost 30 years, Frankel has been a force in Florida politics, serving two stints in the state House, serving as part of the Democratic leadership both times, including being House minority leader. But Frankel has stumbled when she has sought higher office, including losing out to fellow Democrat Alcee Hastings in the congressional primary back in 1992 and launching an underwhelming bid for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 2002. After winning the West Palm Beach mayoral election in 2003, Frankel served eight years before facing term limits. She defeated Republican Adam Hasner for an open congressional seat in 2012. Frankel is a heavy favorite to win a second term over Republican Paul Spain in next weeks election.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
