Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

NJ's Menendez Will Head Key Dem Committee

First Latino in Senate campaign post takes over for Schumer

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 25, 2008 1:45 PM CST
Email

(Newser) – Robert Menendez will replace Charles Schumer atop the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, the Hill reports today, giving the committee its first Hispanic leader. New Jersey’s Menendez has a tough act to follow in New York’s Schumer, who helped Democrats pick up six seats to take the majority in 2006, then seven more this year.

Menendez takes the reins looking toward the 2010 election. Though midterm contests generally favor Republicans, Democrats are defending only 15 seats this time, to 19 for the GOP. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid described Menendez as “aggressive, focused” and “widely respected.” “Bob Menendez will be a superb leader,” he said. Schumer likewise called Menendez a “great choice.”

Sen. Robert Menendez, D-NJ, talks to reporters outside the immigrant detention center in Elizabeth, NJ, July 28, 2008.
Sen. Robert Menendez, D-NJ, talks to reporters outside the immigrant detention center in Elizabeth, NJ, July 28, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Charles Schumer helped Democrats take a slim majority in the Senate in 2006, then led the effort that has gotten the party at least 58 seats this year.
Charles Schumer helped Democrats take a slim majority in the Senate in 2006, then led the effort that has gotten the party at least 58 seats this year.   (AP Photo)
New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez will replace New York's Charles Schumer as head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez will replace New York's Charles Schumer as head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

What the heck is Menendez thinking?
New Republic

Schumer steps down from DSCC post
New York Times

Menendez: 'He has his style, and I have mine'
PolitickerNJ

 
Charles Schumer • Harry Reid • Senate Democrats • Robert Menendez • Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

More Newser Stories

Senate Dems Float 5% Millionaires' Tax

Own Ill Health Doesn't Keep Byrd From Voting on Reform

How Reid Rescued the Public Option

Dems' Silent Fear: What if Reid Loses in 2010?

Obama Won't Share Funds With Senate Dems
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne