Debbie Wasserman Schultz chosen to chair Democratic National Committee

Yesterday the Democratic National Commitee (DNC) announced they are appointing Debbie Wasserman Schultz as the new chair. Wasserman Schultz is a Democratic Representative from Florida and will replace Virginia’s Tim Kaine as he runs for Senate.

Wasserman Schultz is the third woman to lead the DNC and the first in over 15 years, according to Politico.

She’s also extremely pro-choice and very strong progressive voice in politics. She was a vocal critic of the Stupak-Pitts amendment that would have limited abortion access in health care reform.

I think this move on the part of Obama is an important nod to the solid progressive base of the Democratic party–particularly those of us who are pro-choice and have been less than pleased with the handling of this issue in Obama’s first term.

UPDATE: Politico is reporting that Donna Brazile will be the interim DNC chair for the next two weeks before Wasserman Schultz can be officially elected. Amazing. Two really strong progressive voices, both women.