Debbie Wasserman Schultz Will Not Open 2016 Democratic National Convention Amid Controversy

Amid a storm of controversy regarding emails and what looks on paper to be a bias toward one candidate, U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz will not have a role in opening the Democratic National Convention.

The congresswoman from Weston told the South Florida Sun Sentinel that "in the interest of making sure that we can start the Democratic convention on a high note that I am not going to gavel in the convention."

Wasserman Schultz, who said she will resign her role as chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee when the convention ends, declined to answer further questions.

At a Florida delegate breakfast Monday morning in Philadelphia, Wasserman Schultz received an unwelcome reception from Bernie Sanders supporters.

"Debbie Wasserman Schultz is not welcome here, in fact we were told she's going to be quarantined and she would not be showing her face here," Sanders delegate Kelly Thornton said. "If they want unity here at this convention she is not welcome, that is a very first step of unifying this party."

The controversy started after the release of nearly 20,000 emails that appear to show a bias toward the party’s presumptive nominee, Hillary Clinton, over challenger Sanders. Items in the emails showed strategies for how to defeat the Vermont senator, including exploiting his religion in areas where it would be valuable.

Sanders, at an event Monday before the convention begins, kept his endorsement of Clinton – a move that was booed by many of his supporters in the audience. Sanders told the crowd it was important to do whatever it took to defeat Donald Trump in November’s general election.

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