As you probably know, Debbie Wasserman Schultz (DWS) is a member of the House of Representatives, who represents an eminently safe Democrat seat in Florida. For several years, she has also Chaired the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
What you may not know, however, is that DWS appears to be interested in replacing Marco Rubio as U. S. Senator, in next year’s election.
Does she have a chance? Sure she does.
Does she have a realistic chance? Well, read this excerpt from Edward-Isaac Dovere’s article at politico.com before you answer:
The Democratic Senate Campaign Committee is far from enthusiastic, according to sources close to the committee. Asked about Wasserman Schultz specifically, DSCC spokesman Justin Barasky said only: “It seems like there’s no one in the United States Senate who wants to be a senator less than Marco Rubio, and there are numerous potential candidates who could beat him.”
The National Republican Senatorial Committee, meanwhile, seems exuberant at the chance to run against someone who’s run into so much baggage on the national level.
“It’s rare in Washington for President Obama and Senate Republicans to agree, but we are all in agreement that Debbie Wasserman Schultz has been a terrible DNC chair and would make an even worse Senate candidate,” said NRSC spokeswoman Andrea Bozek.
Throughout her time as chair, Wasserman Schultz has turned off colleagues, other top Democrats and current and former staff for a management style that strikes many as self-centered – even for a politician – and often at the expense of the DNC or individual candidates or campaigns. Many top Democrats, including some she counts as supporters and friends, privately complain about her trying to use the DNC as a vehicle for her own personal promotion, and letting her own ambition get in the way of larger goals.
Does that look like Ms. Wasserman Schultz is a desirable candidate to you? To members of either party?
It remains to be seen if DWS will decide to run anyway – i.e. her ego and self-importance will overwhelm her logic and common sense. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time that happened.
As a politcal blogger, I have to admit that I’m hoping she does – because, just this once, I would be fascinated to see DWS turn her tender mercies against Democrat primary opponents instead of Republicans. Let’s see how they like her, er, style and substance.
Stay tuned.
