Peter Schorsch
U.S. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi joined South Florida Congressman Ted Deutch Thursday or a public event at the Pride Center in Wilton Manors.
That appearance was followed by a major Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee fundraiser at a private home in Fort Lauderdale; at $5,000 a ticket, the event raised $300,000.
All the money Deutch raised will go toward the Democratic efforts to win back the House of Representatives.
Because of the difficult 2018 Senate map for Democrats, most political experts see a Democratic takeover of the House as the party’s best opportunity in the midterm elections.
A Democratic sweep in the House could open many potential doors for ambitious members of Congress who can raise money, sell their message on television, and support tight relations with the top echelons of Democratic leadership, including Pelosi.
It is no accident Pelosi chose to travel to the heart of Deutch’s district to champion federal legislation supporting equal rights for gay and lesbians. Deutch was one of 194 cosponsors of The Equality Act, which amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to add nondiscrimination protections to the LGBT community.
At the beginning of the new Congress, Pelosi also named Deutch as the top Democrat on the House Ethics Committee. It is an important assignment, especially since the committee has undertaken the investigation into Intelligence Chair Devin Nunes for allegedly disclosing classified information.
Earlier this month, Deutch sponsored The Conflicts from Political Fundraising Act, which would require nominees to disclose whether they have solicited or contributed funds for political purposes to 527 political action committees, or tax-exempt groups formed under sections 501(c)(4) or 501(c)(6) of the tax code.
Alongside his new Ethics perch, Deutch has been noticeably popping up on the national political shows including MSNBC’s Morning Joe, CNN’s New Day and Wolf Blitzer, among others.
Historically, midterm elections have a way of whiplashing back on the party in control.
Deutch knows that Democrats could very well rule the House in two years, and as most of the existing Democratic House leadership are all in their late 70s, Deutch is making moves that appear to show he is prepared to take his career to the next level.
