Seasoned South Florida politician Debbie Wasserman Schultz has been facing fierce competition and criticism from her own partymates and her response is blunt.
"I have consistently, actively, vocally supported and advanced the causes that help make people's lives better and my opponent has done absolutely nothing," she told NBC 6 Tuesday.
Wasserman Schultz hasn't had a primary opponent in more than 20 years but that Has changed. Tim Canova is Wasserman Schultz's most formidable primary opponent, and is not afraid to hammer her on a variety of issues.
"It is actually hard to imagine the Democratic National Convention this summer being a moment of unity for the party as long as she is the chair of the party," Canova said.
Their differences range from trade, to healthcare to campaign finances.
"Over the course of her career she has taken millions of dollars from the biggest banks and the biggest corporations. And I believe her voting stances, her positions have reflected who has access to her," Canova said.
Wasserman Schultz hit back on Canova's campaign contributions from out of state.
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"I can tell you that the people in this district are not going to let people in Alaska, California and New York decide who represents them," Wasserman Schultz said.
While President Obama backs Wasserman Schultz, Canova touts presidential candidate Bernie Sanders' endorsement. On Tuesday, former congressman Barney Frank endorsed Wasserman Schultz.
Many in congressional district 23 are eager to hear the two debate.
"It is premature to be making decisions like that, it is May, the primary is in August and we will cross that bridge when we come to it," Wasserman Schultz said.
"Perhaps she is afraid to debate. I noticed she has not been on national cable TV for the last two weeks, I think she is afraid to defend her position," Canova said.
The primary is set for August 30th.
