The Democratic National Committee has picked Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz as its new chair — a choice that Politico frames as one to rally the party base rather than court voters on the fence as the DNC gears up for campaign 2012. –KA

Politico:

The final choice came down to Wasserman Schultz and former Ohio governor Ted Strickland, the sources said.

Wasserman Schultz becomes the third female DNC chief in history and the first in over 15 years.

The choice of Wasserman Schultz over Strickland represents a party head whose strength will be in rallying the base rather than reaching out to heartland swing voters.

It also heads off the possibility of a revolt by the party’s base over abortion issues: Wasserman Schultz is a strong supporter of abortion rights, whereas Strickland’s record on the issue is mixed.

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