Local Democrats speak out on Wasserman Schultz resignation

DAVIE, FLA. (WSVN) - South Florida’s Democrats sounded off on Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s decision to step down as party chair, days after the publication of about 19,000 hacked Democratic National Committee emails.

Local voters told 7News they were surprised by Sunday’s announcement. “I think it’s surprising. She’s been there for a while,” said Jamila Sylvain.

“The truth will come out,” said another voter.

The controversy has cast a cloud over the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Monday afternoon, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake gaveled in the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, a task that Wasserman Schultz was originally scheduled to perform but chose to give up at the last minute.

The night before, the embattled congresswoman took to the stage inside the Wells Fargo Center for a walk-through. She said she will step down after the convention wraps up.

The leadership shakeup comes after some of the published emails showed apparent DNC favoritism toward presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton over her primary opponent, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Sanders ended up trailing the former secretary of state even as he amassed victories in 23 states.

Monday morning, Florida delegates booed Wasserman Schultz at their convention breakfast. Some of them chanted “shame,” while others held Sanders signs.

Undeterred, Wasserman Schultz took to the microphone to address her constituents. “I’m so proud to have been able to serve as the chair of the Democratic National Committee,” she said as she was greeted by both jeers and applause.

Speaking with 7News on Monday, South Florida voter Paula Liebeskind said she was startled by the content of some of Wasserman Schultz’s leaked emails. “Some of them surprised me, like especially about the Jewish stuff because she’s Jewish,” she said.

The congresswoman is up for re-election this fall. At her Davie office, staffers would not open the door for a 7News crew.

Outside the headquarters, passers-by shared some strong opinions. “American people are ready for a change,” said one man.

Someone hoping for a change is Tim Canova, Wasserman Schultz’s primary opponent to fill Florida’s 23rd congressional district seat. “I was happy for the party and for the country. I think she’s been a very divisive DNC chair,” he said, “and I don’t think it’s been good for the party at all, but we always suspected that she was playing favorites.”

Canova said he is ready to provide leadership to Wasserman Schultz’s constituents. “Florida’s voters here in the 23rd congressional district deserve full-time representation,” he said, “not somebody who’s been really looking out for her own career and her own advancement in the party, and obviously not even doing that very well.”

The Wasserman Schultz controversy has led to an influx of donations to Canova’s campaign. In the last 72 hours, they have raised close to $100,000. “Some would say that this campaign won the lottery, and I often say it’s the law of karma.” said Canova.

However, many local Democrats are still standing by Wasserman Schultz as they hope for the best while focusing on the primary goal: the U.S. presidency. “It’s really early in the game. We’re disappointed,” said Vincent Newman, Area 3 leader of the Broward County Democratic Party.

Newman said he hopes Wasserman Schultz’s resignation will re-energize the party as a whole. “Everybody will come together and make it a reality, for Hillary and Tim Kaine to beat Donald Trump,” he said.

And while the world waits to hear from Clinton as she takes center stage in Philadelphia, Thursday night, other insiders said Wasserman Schultz made the best decision for her fellow Democrats. “Given the circumstances, and given how important this election is, I think she did the right thing,” said Broward County Democratic Party Chair Cynthia Busch during a phone interview with 7News. “I think she did what was good for the party.”

The Florida Democratic primary election is scheduled for Aug. 30.

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