Senator Reid also announced the Senate Democratic leadership team for 2007-2008, which includes 10 seasoned leaders: 5 men and 5 women.
Incoming Senate Majority Leader Reid commented when announcing the new Senate leadership team: "It’s time to move America forward, and this is the team that will do it. We’re going to focus on bipartisanship. We’re going to lead an open government. And we’re going to deliver results.
From Iraq to the economy, Americans want change, and the Senate Majority--led by this distinguished, talented, experienced group--is going to fight for change next Congress."
The following is excerpted from the Democratic Party announcement:
Sen. Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia, President Pro Temp
As President pro tempore, Sen. Byrd will continue to provide the Democratic Caucus leadership and experience gained from a lifetime of public service.
Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, Assistant Majority Leader
As Assistant Majority Leader, Sen. Durbin will serve as the Majority Leader’s key aide on and off the floor, helping to lead the Democrats’ fight to protect America and help working families get ahead.
Sen. Charles E. Schumer of New York, Vice Chair of the Conference
The third ranking member of the Democratic leadership, Sen. Schumer will serve as Vice Chair of the Conference. In this post, Schumer will oversee strategy and policy to keep and build support for Democratic values.
Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, Secretary of the Conference
As Secretary of the Conference, Sen. Murray will play a critical role in helping shape and set the Democratic agenda.
Sen. Charles E. Schumer of New York, Chairman of Campaign Committee
In addition to his role as Vice Chair of the Conference, Sen. Schumer will once again serve as Chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC).
Sen. Byron L. Dorgan of North Dakota, Chairman of Policy Committee
As he did during the 109th Congress, Sen. Dorgan will continue to provide strong leadership at the Democratic Policy Committee (DPC). Under Senator Dorgan, the DPC has been credited with conducting aggressive Congressional oversight and generating innovative policy ideas for the Democratic Caucus.
Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Chair of Steering and Outreach Committee
Sen. Stabenow will serve as Chair of the Steering and Outreach Committee. In her role as chair, Senator Stabenow will engage Democratic Senators and community leaders across the country in an active dialogue about the pressing issues facing our nation.
Sen. Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico, Chairman of Committee Outreach
As Chairman of Committee Outreach, Sen. Bingaman will provide a voice in the Democratic leadership for Committee Chairs. Bingaman will harness the Committee Chairs’ tremendous knowledge and experience, and ensure their important committee work is advanced in a united and consistent manner.
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, Vice Chair of Committee Outreach
As Vice Chair of Committee Outreach, Sen. Clinton will work closely with Senator Bingaman in helping to coordinate the committee work of the Democratic Caucus.
Blanche L. Lincoln of Arkansas, Chair of Rural Outreach
As she did in the 109th Congress, Sen. Lincoln will again serve as Chair of Rural Outreach. This position was created in the last Congress as a sign of the Democrats’ strong commitment to aggressively engage and communicate with rural Americans. In this post, Senator Lincoln will continue guide rural outreach for the Caucus and find new ways to reach rural, suburban and exurban American communities.
Sen. Barbara Boxer of California, Chief Deputy Whip
As Chief Deputy Whip, Senator Boxer will continue to be responsible for managing and implementing Caucus efforts on the Senator floor. Working as the “right hand” of the Democratic Leader and Assistant Democratic Leader, Boxer plays an instrumental role in articulating, advancing and achieving the objectives of the Democratic Caucus.
