Wasserman Schultz Picks Up Endorsement From President Obama
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who chairs the Democratic National Committee, has picked up an endorsement from President Barack Obama as she runs for a sixth term.
"Throughout my time as President I have seen Debbie bring an unwavering commitment to her family, her constituents, and our shared goals of protecting seniors, supporting working families, and expanding economic opportunity for more people," said President Obama in a statement. "I strongly endorse her reelection to Congress and look forward to her future service on behalf of the people of South Florida."
"His endorsement means so much to me, and inspires me to work even harder for the people of Florida's 23rd Congressional District," wrote Wasserman Shultz in response to the President's vote of confidence. "I've dedicated my life to serving the people of South Florida and look forward to earning their support to once again be their voice and their vote in our nation's capital."
In the last decade of so, Wasserman Schultz has overwhelmingly won support from the Democratic district in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. This year, however, she's facing Tim Canova, a professor of law and public finance at Nova Southeastern University, in the primary challenge.
Echoing her detractors, Canova has attempted to portray Wasserman Shultz as someone who is inclined to support corporate interests and big money campaign contributors, according to the Sun-Sentinel.
The President's statement, released Monday, attempts to counter that.
"She always stands up and fights for what is right for her district while passionately supporting middle class families," according to President Obama.
Obama made Wasserman Schultz chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee in 2011.
In addition to voting for President Obama's agreement aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, which angered many of her Jewish constituents, Wasserman Schultz also voted for another issue championed by the Commander in Chief - the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade legislation.
The only Florida Democrat to do so, Wasserman Schultz riled up organized labor.
In opposing the trade measure, Canova has picked up some labor endorsements and National Nurses United which is heavily involved Bernie Sander's campaign.
Sanders' supporters say Wasserman Schultz has used her position as national Democratic chairwoman to aid Hillary Clinton's campaign.