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DCCC Won’t Fund Wasserman Schultz Race

Outgoing national committee chair faces a challenger backed by Sanders

Outgoing Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz won't be able to expect financial support from the DCCC led by New Mexico Rep. Ben Ray Luján, in her upcoming Florida primary race. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Outgoing Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz won't be able to expect financial support from the DCCC led by New Mexico Rep. Ben Ray Luján, in her upcoming Florida primary race. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

House Democratic campaign chief Ben Ray Luján confirmed Monday that providing funding for outgoing Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz in her looming Florida primary won’t be a priority.  

“The question I was asked is: Does the [Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee] get involved in primaries or in races with incumbents?” said Lujan, a New Mexico congressman. “And what we shared with Debbie … is that priority for the DCCC is always incumbent protection, but that where the resources go when it comes to TV buys and helping in that specific way, [they go to] the most competitive seats around the country — so typically the front line districts and red-to-blue districts and emerging districts.”

[ Complete Coverage of the Democratic National Convention as it Happens ]

Wasserman Schultz’s 23rd District seat is rated a safe Democratic seat by The Rothenberg/Gonzales Political Report /Roll Call. She faces a primary challenge in August from Tim Canova , a progressive Democrat backed by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.  

Lujan said he expected Wasserman Schultz to not take the challenge lightly.  

“Debbie’s always worked hard and … Debbie’s taken every race seriously, as do I, and she’s going to work tirelessly,” Lujan said. “She’s going to go, and she’s going to continue to work hard. And reach out to the voters back home.”  

What Went Wrong For Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Video)

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Wasserman Schultz resigned her post as party chief and agreed not to speak at the convention  Monday amid protests over a series of emails leaked late last week which suggested the national party favored Hillary Clinton over Sanders during the primary season.

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