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DNC Elects Wasserman Schultz As New Chairman

WASHINGTON (CBS4) – South Florida Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz was officially elected as the new chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee on Wednesday afternoon in Washington D.C.

She is the first woman elected to head the party in nearly four decades.

Wasserman Schultz is replacing former Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine in the top political post for national Democrats.

"Of course, I am so honored to have been nominated for this position by the President, and I am humbled beyond words at your vote of confidence," said Wasserman Shultz shorly after her appointment. " To have been asked by President Obama to lead our Party is an indescribable feeling."

Wasserman Schultz, of Weston, was elected to Congress in 2004 after serving in the state Legislature. She has been ascending to the top of the Democratic Party for the last few years. She has become a go-to Representative for the White House and has voiced both strong support for Democratic policies, and verbally challenged Republican leaders in the house.

She has said she will remain in Congress while heading up the DNC.

"Debbie is going to be a great champion for our party and our President, interim chairwoman Donna Brazile wrote in an email to supporters this week. "For more than 20 years, she has stood out as a proven leader, doing all she can to protect Medicare for America's seniors and create good jobs for Florida's workers."

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.)

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