Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s (Fla.) leadership of the Democratic National Committee will end this week. However, not before successful efforts to rebuild the Democratic Party from coast to coast have been completed. One of the reasons presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton will beat GOP nominee Donald Trump in November will be the turnout organization on the ground.
{mosads}The media and politicians have a tendency to talk only about swing states when it comes to big elections. However, Debbie understood from her early days as a state legislator in South Florida that you need to build a successful election months and years before any given Election Day. That includes going into states and parts of states that haven’t in many years had a successful Democratic organization.
The effort of building committed workers and teams who use 21st-century media and technology to turn out the votes is the hallmark of Debbie’s vision. She traveled the country relentlessly, working with elected officials at all levels, fundraising and persuading people in the trenches that a strong political party is one that focuses on local city council, county commission, state legislative, congressional and statewide races as much as big national elections. She worked closely and actively supported President Obama and his team, and the success of his election four years ago relied heavily on that technology and strategy.
Debbie and I were elected in the same year to the Florida House of Representatives, and we then served in the Florida Senate and the U.S. Congress together. From the beginning, I watched her exhibit passion and commitment to her neighbors and community in South Florida.
Debbie is a passionate Democrat, but has found ways to enlist support from Republicans, as well, on issues important to her district. Whether it is the fight against breast cancer, protecting the Everglades, or making sure that our older and newer veterans get the support that they need, Debbie is always there.
I know that she is anxious to continue her work in our local community and will fight and support the election of Democrats at every level. I am proud to call her my friend and we, as Democrats, will get the benefit of her leadership and modernization of the party for many years to come.
Klein represented Florida’s 22nd Congressional District from 2007 to 2011. He is currently a partner in Holland & Knight’s Public Policy and Regulation Group.