Steve Israel to Chair Democratic Campaign Arm

New York Congressman Steve Israel Has been chosen to head the Democratic Party's House campaign arm (the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee) in the next election cycle.

The announcement from Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Office:

"Congressman Israel knows how to win in tough districts. He replaced a formidable Republican incumbent in 2000 and has worked every day since then to strengthen Democrats across the country," Pelosi said.

"Steve Israel has demonstrated extraordinary capabilities in recruiting candidates, in attracting resources, and in communicating core Democratic values for middle class and working families.  As DCCC Chairman, Congressman Israel's practical experience in running and winning in difficult districts will provide critical leadership for Democrats to regain the majority in 2012," Pelosi said.

Israel served as the DCCC's recruitment chairman during the 2010 midterms. He'll now be tasked with raising money for Democrats as they run against the Republican majority in a presidential election year.

Fellow New Yorker Joe Crowley, who served as the DCCC's vice chair for finance in the past election cycle, was also considered to be in the running. The New York Post reported earlier this week that the two were both "angling" for the job.

A Pelosi ally, Israel was discussed as a possible DCCC successor to outgoing Chairman Chris Van Hollen after the midterms were over, but he wouldn't talk about it at the time. Such are his loyalties that, when I asked him the weekend after the midterms about the possibility of taking over the DCCC, all he'd say was, "I'm just completely focused on supporting Nancy Pelosi."