Democrats Ask Colorado Sen. Bennet to Head DSCC, Sources Say

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Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) has been asked by Majority Leader Harry Reid to head the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Politico reported Friday, citing a senior party source.

The freshman senator did not immediately decide whether to take the post, which would put him in charge of the Capitol Hill panel devoted to electing Democrats.

Reid made the overture during a conversation Tuesday, Politico said.

Bennet, the former Denver schools chief, hung on to his seat by fewer than 16,000 votes over GOP challenger Ken Buck after an expensive race that featured nasty TV ads. He was appointed to replace Ken Salazar in the Senate in early 2009, when Salazar was named secretary of the Interior.

Other senators floated as possible candidates for DSCC chief are Chuck Schumer of New York, Colorado's Mark Udall and Jeanne Shaheen, among others, according to The Washington Post.

Filed Under: Senate, Democrats, Congress

Tagged: 2010 Senate Elections, 2010 Senate Races, Colorado Elections, Colorado Senate Race, dailyguidance, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, dscc, Michael Bennet

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tistolaugh

Bennet needs to focus on Colorado. He won by a thin margin and Colorado does not want him in this hyperpartisan position. Colorado wants him representing all Coloradans, not just the left.

November 12 2010 at 7:02 PM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to tistolaugh's comment

cdpierce35

He hasn't represented all Coloradans yet. He has only represented the interests of the Progressive Movement and I don't see where his personal philosophy will ever result in a true representation of all the people in Colorado. He is a "progressive" at heart and has always spoken and acted like one. Reid is tapping on his shoulder because he knows where Bennet stands and it is squarely in a partisan position. The Democrat leadership doesn't like him because he's not partisan, they like him because he fits their mold.

December 02 2010 at 2:55 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

joe

No surprise that Harry Reid would support Bennet over Chuck Shumer. Reid knows that Shumer had designs on the Senate Majority leader title if Reid lost his bid for re-election. Shumer was really excited at the prospects for a Reid loss.

November 12 2010 at 4:12 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to joe's comment

ELLEN

Harry Reid really needs to step down as majority leader. he would probably be much more effective behind the scenes, while enabling a more dynamic, bolder, more articulate leader to emerge. Chuck Shumer would be great in the role. Michael Bennet is a very impressive guy -- he has a lot to say that makes sense. Leaders in the senate, for better or worse, are the public spokespersons in their roles. Mitch McConnell is always in front of the cameras, as is Chuck Shumer and Dick Durbin for that matter. Harry Reid is just not effective as a front man. Personality does matter.

November 13 2010 at 3:59 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply