Wasserman Schultz Faces Challenge In August Primary
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Democrat from Weston, has represented the state's 23rd district since she won the office in 2005.
She spent six years as chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee. But last month she made headlines but not for her years of political service or accomplishment.
Just before the start of the Democratic National Convention, she stepped down after leaked emails from DNC staffers which appeared to show favoritism towards Hillary Clinton at the expense of her main rival Bernie Sanders.
"There was one very unfortunate, unacceptable, outrageous email exchange that I was not a party to, that discussed using Senator Sander's faith, a faith that I share," said Wasserman Schultz acknowleging that mistakes were made. "That person has resigned. I fully condemn even the suggestion that he made, even though it was over private email and it was never implemented."
Wasserman Schultz was elected to the state's House of Representatives in 1992. At just 26 years old, she became the youngest female legislator in the state's history. Eight years later she successfully ran for state Senate.
In the first and only debate before the August primary, Wasserman Schultz sparred with her main challenger Nova Southeastern law professor Tim Canova on CBS4's "Facing South Florida with Jim Defede." They covered a number of topics including Israel.
"He supports disarmament in the Middle East including Israel," Wasserman Schultz charged. "Which anyone who supports Israel would understand jeopardizes Israel's security."
"I support disarmament in that region and I actually never singled out Israel whatsoever as the problem," he said.
Wasserman Schultz countered: "Israel is in the Middle East, last time I checked."
To watch the entire debate, you can click here.
Canova is a first time candidate who gained the early endorsement of Bernie Sanders. Canova has used that endorsement to tap into the legion of Sander's supporters who have pumped millions into his campaign. As a result, Canova has raised nearly $3 million – an unheard of amount for a no-name candidate.
Wasserman Schultz has the backing of Democratic Party's establishment including President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Democratic presidential nominee Clinton.
