A senior Democratic official tells Mike Allen of POLITICO that, “Because of the outstanding job she has done, the President will ask the members of the Democratic National Committee to ratify his choice of [Rep.] Debbie Wasserman Schultz to continue leading the Party as Chair when they meet in January. The DNC will meet [in Washington on Jan. 22], the day after President Obama is sworn in for a second term, with the primary item of business being electing party officers, including the DNC Chair.
Wasserman Schultz has served as Chair since shortly after Tim Kaine stepped down to run for the U.S. Senate in Virginia in the spring of 2011. With President Obama at the top of the ticket and Wasserman Schultz leading the Party, Democrats won the presidency, expanded its majority in the Senate and picked up seats in the House.
Allen notes that in the past 18 months, Wasserman Schultz participated in 885 events in 31 states, 170 cities. Terms are typically four years. But by tradition, the President can make a change at any time.
Also helping DWS’ case is that President Obama won Wasserman Schultz’s home state of Florida, burnishing her record after a cycle where she participated in 1,000 events and interviews, and helped solidify his hold on the Jewish vote despite a huge Republican effort. Top Dems say taking back the House is a key goal for the party, and she is perfect to lead that effort. Wasserman Schultz, a tireless fundraiser, combines a youthful optimism with a fierce partisanship. “She doesn’t shy away from the tougher fights,” a key adviser said. “It’s helpful to have someone who doesn’t mind going toe to toe. … She’s a leader for women, and the grassroots love her.”
