Menendez Takes Over DSCC

To no one’s surprise, Harry Reid has named Bob Menendez to take over stewardship of the DSCC in the wake of Chuck Schumer’s departure. Menendez certainly has a tough act to follow after Schumer’s 13 big wins over the past two cycles, but there are a lot of good opportunities on the table in 2010 that could make it a good year for Bob (and us). Let’s wish him luck.

The DSCC’s full press release is available below (and under the flip):

REID NAMES MENENDEZ DSCC CHAIRMAN FOR 2010 CYCLE

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid today named U.S. Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey the chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee for the 2010 election cycle.  Menendez will take over the DSCC from Senator Charles Schumer, who led the committee during the last two election cycles.

Senator Reid said: “As an aggressive, focused and committed Democrat and a widely respected Senator, Bob Menendez will be a superb leader of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.  Our Caucus will be well-served by Bob Menendez, whose mastery of policy is matched only by his mastery of politics.  He was a leader in the House, rising to become the third-ranking Democrat there; has already established himself as a leader in the Senate; and will continue to lead us in protecting our incumbents and electing new Democrats in the future. I thank Sen. Schumer for his four years of leadership.  Because of his efforts, Democrats have expanded our majority to its largest in 30 years.  I am confident that Sen. Menendez will build upon this success.”

Senator Menendez said: “I am humbled by this opportunity, and I fully recognize the responsibility that comes with it. In 2006 and again this year, under the masterful stewardship of Senator Schumer, we have made major gains toward bringing change to our country. We face historic challenges and must continue to move in that new direction. I intend to make sure that we build upon the majority in Senate that allows us to affect the change we need. I want to thank Majority Leader Reid for his terrific leadership and for entrusting me with this position.”

Senator Schumer said: “I want to thank Senator Reid and all of my Democratic colleagues for making the past four years such a success.  Bob Menendez is a great choice.  We worked closely together the past two years, and I am confident he will do a fabulous job.”

Menendez served as vice chairman of the DSCC for the past two years.  He was appointed to the Senate in January 2006 to fill the remainder of Governor Jon Corzine’s term and was elected to a full term in November of that year.  He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1992 and elected by his colleagues as chairman of the House Democratic Caucus in 2002, making him the highest ranking Hispanic in Congressional history.  With today’s appointment he becomes the first Hispanic in history to lead a Senate or House campaign committee.