U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman-Schultz has been hailed by her colleagues as an aggressive and outspoken advocate for the Democratic party and a star on the rise in South Florida.
And on Tuesday, she was chosen by President Barack Obama as the new chair of the Democratic National Committee.
The four-term lawmaker from Weston is a staunch supporter of pro-choice legislation, President Obama's health care reform and most recently a vocal opponent of altering medicare to balance the budget.
Wasserman-Schultz is a graduate of the University of Florida and represents Florida's 20th district. Reports say President Obama chose Wasserman-Schultz for her clout in the swing state of Florida that will be crucial to Obama's 2012 reelection bid.
"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," Wasserman-Schultz said in a statement released Tuesday. "That was my promise to the President and that will be my promise to every single Democrat across the country."
Party leaders have noted the 44-year-old Congresswoman's loyalty during the 2008 democratic presidential primary when she supported Hillary Clinton until the bitter end, then quickly backed the Obama campaign.In an e-mail sent to committee members, Vice President Joe Biden also praised her ability to overcome adversity. The mother of three announced she had breast cancer in March 2009 and underwent a double mastectomy. Wasserman-Schultz has also proven to be a strong fundraiser, a key attribute to winning a president election.
DNC members are expected to approve the nomination within weeks. Along with her new role, Wasserman-Schultz will hold on to her congressional seat.
