PRESS RELEASES from the DNC
Please see an email below from Vice President Biden to DNC Members
announcing President Obama's choice for DNC Chair.
-----Original Message-----
From: Joe Biden
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 6:00 PM
To: Woodhouse, Brad
Subject: Important news
Friend -
President Obama has asked me to share some important news with you
about the future of the Democratic Party.
Today, Tim Kaine announced that he is stepping down as Chairman of the
Democratic National Committee to run for the U.S. Senate from the
Commonwealth of Virginia.
Chairman Kaine has been an incredible leader for the Democratic Party
and our nation - and our party is stronger today than it has ever been
thanks to his leadership.
But now he is embarking on a new journey. As Chairman Kaine departs,
new leadership must come on. And the President wanted you to be among
the very first to hear that his choice to lead the DNC is none other
than Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
Debbie has served the people of Florida - first in the Florida State
Legislature, and more recently in Congress - for nearly two decades.
During that time, she has fought for America's children, seniors, and
men and women in uniform.
In selecting Debbie to lead our party, President Obama noted her
tenacity, her strength, her fighting spirit, and her ability to
overcome adversity. President Obama expressed great admiration for her
as a leader, and he was honored that she accepted this important
challenge on behalf of the Democratic Party.
No one should have any doubt that Debbie will work hard to strengthen
our party and our country. I hope you will welcome her as President
Obama's choice for the next Chair of the DNC.
-Joe
For Immediate Release
Date: April 5, 2011
Contact: DNC Press
Statement
from Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Washington, DC –
Today, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine resigned his role at the DNC to run for
the Senate in Virginia. Following his resignation, Vice President
Biden announced in an email to DNC members that President Obama has
tapped Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz as his choice to serve as
the next DNC Chair – a choice which is expected to be considered by DNC
members in the very near future. If elected by the full
membership,
Wasserman Schultz would be the first woman elected to the role of DNC
Chair by Party members. Two women have previously served as Chair
in
an appointed capacity, one in an interim role. Regarding her
selection, Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz issued the following
statement:
“I am so honored and humbled to be President Obama’s
choice to serve as the next DNC chair, and I look forward to seeking
approval by my colleagues on the Democratic National Committee to serve
in this important role. The DNC shares my core mission to help
Democrats succeed – electorally and legislatively – so that we are able
to deliver on and win the future for the American people. Tim
Kaine
will be a tough act to follow at the DNC, but I am hopeful that I will
be able to build on his successful tenure, make our party even stronger
and elect and re-elect Democrats up and down the ticket in 2011 and
2012. And during my tenure, there will be nothing more important
to
our Party or to the American people than advancing President Obama’s
agenda and ensuring that he is elected to a second term so we can
continue to move our country forward.
“I have always been proud
to be a Democrat. Throughout history, the great leaders of our
party
have labored alongside our community and grassroots activists to
advance Americans’ rights and increase opportunity for all
Americans.
So it is with even greater pride that I will take up our party’s torch
and continue to fight for progress at the Democratic Party.”
“All
across America, Democratic leaders are fighting hard to create jobs and
boost economic recovery, deliver real education reforms that guarantee
American students are able to get ahead, and further the causes of
justice and equality. And all across this country, entrenched
Republican forces are doing everything they can to prevent Democrats
from succeeding in those goals. As we look toward 2012 in
particular,
I’m going to be working hard every day to guarantee that President
Obama and Democratic candidates up and down the ballot are in the best
position to win their races. That was my promise to the President
and
that will be my promise to every single Democrat across the country.”
###
Date: April 5, 2011
Wasserman Schultz Receives Early and Broad Support
as President Obama’s Choice for DNC Chair
Today,
President Barack Obama announced his choice of Congresswoman Debbie
Wasserman Schultz to lead the DNC as its newest Chair. Congressman
Wasserman Schultz has been an incredible friend to the President in the
House of Representatives, and she has been a tireless advocate on
behalf of the American people. The President is not alone in his
belief that Representative Wasserman Schultz is the right person for
the job. Please see below for statements of support for the President’s
choice for DNC Chair, Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid:
“Debbie has built a reputation as a tenacious fighter on behalf of
middle-class families. Her personal story has inspired many, as has her
ability to clearly and effectively communicate the principles that
Democrats stand for.”
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi:
“She’s
a dynamic leader, a champion fundraiser, and an effective messenger on
behalf of Democrats from coast-to-coast. She’s savvy,
hard-working,
and she brings a unique perspective – as a working mother and a cancer
survivor – to the policy debate.”
DCCC Chairman Steve Israel:
“Debbie
is passionate and a tireless advocate for Democrats and a role model
for women. President Obama has chosen a battle-tested leader,
great
communicator, and outstanding fundraiser who will help Democrats win
the tough fights ahead. Debbie will ensure that the Democratic Party’s
agenda continues to reflect the top priorities of the American people —
creating jobs, responsibly reducing the deficit, and strengthening the
middle class.”
DGA Chair O’Malley: “A
strong voice for ordinary people who didn’t cause the recession but are
too often asked to pay the price, Wasserman Schultz will be a great
advocate for President Obama and for Democrats across the country who
are fighting to grow the economy and create jobs for middle class
families”
Congressional Black Caucus Chairman
Emanuel Cleaver, II:
“It has been twenty years since the Democratic Party has had a woman as
Chair, but there is no better person for the job. Congresswoman
Wasserman Shultz’s passion for our country and party is palpable. I am
certain that she will lead the party with vision and tenacity as we
work to responsibly reduce the deficit, create jobs for the American
people, provide educational opportunities for our children, and ensure
that hardworking families have access to affordable healthcare.”
Former DNC co-chair Lynn Cutler:
Selection of Wasserman Schultz a "brilliant pick! She is a great
energetic spokesperson, an effective fund raiser, and a very smart
politician."
Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY): “She
is
extremely hard-working, politically savvy, and an effective
messenger who understands the struggles of American families. As
we
have all seen through her fight against breast cancer, she is also
tough as nails. I cannot think of anyone who would be more
effective
in building the Democratic Party in preparation for 2012.”
Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod
Smith: “She
has consistently fought to protect Florida’s children, empower women,
and improve the quality of life for middle class families. Her
nomination assures Florida Democrats that we will have great support in
our efforts to fairly redistrict this state and to elect Democrats from
the state house to the White House.”
Iowa Democratic Party Chairwoman Sue
Dvorsky: “Congresswoman
Wasserman Schultz has the tenacity and determination to lead the DNC as
we prepare for Democratic victories in 2012, including the reelection
of President Obama. Her lifetime of public service and and her
unwavering advocacy for Democrats across the country as DNC Vice Chair
will serve her well as she takes on this new role within the Democratic
Party.”
DNC Vice Chair Donna Brazile: “At
a
time that we're engaged in a tough battle over the budget,
Representative Wasserman Schultz understands what is at stake for
working families in this country. She will champion what Democrats
believe - helping to improve the economy for all to share in the
American dream.”