DNC April 5, 2011 Press Releases on Selection of Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz

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.”