Rep. Allyson Schwartz will be seeking out candidates to run against Republicans in 2012. Her responsibilities will include working with DCCC chairman Rep. Steve Israel to find viable candidates in the 62 congressional districts that President Obama won in 2008 and currently have a Republican congressman. She will also be in charge of finding candidates in other “Red-to-Blue districts” and other target districts Dems hope to win back in 2012.

The release is below:

DCCC Chairman Steve Israel Names DCCC National Chairs for the 2012 Cycle

Off to a fast start for the 2011-2012 cycle, Chairman Steve Israel today named the DCCC’s five National Chairs:

• Congressman Joe Crowley (NY) will serve as the DCCC National Chair for Finance;

• Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL) will serve as the DCCC National Chair for Member and Candidate Services;

• Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (PA) will serve as National Chair for Recruiting;

• Congressman Keith Ellison (MN) will serve as National Chair of Community Outreach for the 2011-2012 cycle; and,

• Congressman Pedro Pierluisi (PR) will serve as the National Chair of Community Mobilization.

The DCCC National Chairs, formerly called Vice Chairs, will work closely with DCCC Chairman Israel, House Leadership, and the Caucus on planning and executing the strategies that will make the Republican Majority the shortest in history.

“Representatives Joe Crowley, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Allyson Schwartz, Keith Ellison, and Pedro Pierluisi have the perfect combination of battle-tested experience, political know-how and leadership savvy to make this the shortest Republican majority in history,” said DCCC Chairman Steve Israel.  “I’m thrilled they will be working with us this cycle to ensure our Members and candidates have the tools they need to win.”

DCCC recruiting for the 2011-2012 cycle is off to a fast and aggressive start: Chairman Israel has already begun recruiting calls and meeting with potential candidates.  The National Chairs will join the Recruiting Committee’s first meeting this Thursday.

Announcements about DCCC Councils and Committees will be made at a later date.

Details on the National Chairs’ responsibilities follow:

Joe Crowley, National Chair of Finance

Congressman Joe Crowley will serve as the DCCC National Chair for Finance. Crowley has a proven track record of success on behalf of the DCCC and has played an active role in the DCCC over the last three cycles.  In the 2011-2012 cycle, he will oversee the DCCC’s fundraising to ensure House Democrats have the resources they need to win the majority.

“As the DCCC National Chair for National Finance, Joe Crowley will provide invaluable expertise to our Members and candidates and continue leading our efforts with the business community,” said DCCC Chairman Steve Israel.  “I’m excited that Joe will continue using his political skills and savvy to ensure House Democrats have the resources we need to win the House and get our economy back on track.”

Congressman Joseph Crowley said, “Together, I know we can show the American people that the Democrats are the party working for them and toward a better future for our country. I look forward to working with my good friend, Steve Israel, and the team he has put together to ensure our party has the necessary energy and resources to share our message with voters and win back the majority in 2012.”

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, National Chair of Member and Candidate Services

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz will serve her second term as National Chair.  As National Chair of Member and Candidate Services, Wasserman Schultz will ensure that our Members and candidates are well prepared for an aggressive 2012 campaign as well as assist with redistricting activities.   Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz is a savvy campaign strategist and has chaired the Red-to-Blue (2006, 2008) and the Frontline program (2008, 2010).

“Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz is a first rate strategist who knows how to help Members and candidates build and execute strong campaigns,” said DCCC Chairman Steve Israel.  “I’m thrilled that Debbie will continue using her battle-tested leadership to win the tough fights ahead.”

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz said, “I am looking forward to working with Chairman Israel and the other Chairs to assist Democratic candidates and Members in their election efforts so we can regain the majority and continue the progress we have made on behalf of the American people.  We have a very capable team and we will work effectively to be on the offense when it comes to redistricting and communicating our message in districts throughout the country.”

As National Chair of Member and Candidate Services, Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz will focus on helping Members and candidates build their campaign infrastructure and make sure they are meeting their message, money, mobilization, and management goals.

Allyson Schwartz, National Chair of Recruiting

Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz will serve as National Chair of Recruiting.  This cycle, the recruiting committee responsibilities have been elevated to the national chair level.  Schwartz is responsible for working with our Members and allies to identify and recruit top notch candidates in districts around the country. Schwartz has chaired Red-to-Blue (2010), Women LEAD (2008, 2010), and served on the recruiting committee (2010).

“This cycle we are on offense and will be recruiting in 62 districts that President Obama won,” said DCCC Chairman Steve Israel.  “With Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz’s aggressive, battle tested leadership, we will recruit top notch candidates who are ready for victory in 2012.”

Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz said, “I am honored to be named DCCC National Chair for Recruiting.  This election cycle will be more important than ever as Democrats work to win back control of the House. It is imperative that we recruit the best and the brightest individuals around the country who can run tough, vigorous campaigns and help us regain our Majority.”

Keith Ellison, National Chair of Community Outreach

Congressman Keith Ellison will serve as National Chair for Outreach.  Ellison is responsible for developing and growing the DCCC partnerships with strategic allies and communities across the country.  Last cycle, Ellison worked closely with the DCCC’s A New American Community program to grow involvement with House Democrats.

“Congressman Keith Ellison is an inspirational leader to American Muslims who has worked tirelessly to encourage civic involvement and participation in the political process,” said DCCC Chairman Steve Israel.  “I’m excited that Keith will bring his leadership, savvy, and know-how to our efforts to increase community participation with the DCCC.”

Congressman Ellison said, “I am honored to have the opportunity to work with Chairman Israel and my fellow National Chairs to achieve prosperity for America’s working families.  With an emboldened Republican Party, intent on letting insurance companies deny health care to millions of Americans, and leaving Wall Street CEO’s to police themselves, it is critical that we empower and engage Americans from all walks of life in the political process.  I am excited to work with the DCCC, across America, to bring all communities into the democratic process.”

Pedro Pierluisi, National Chair of Community Mobilization.

Pedro Pierluisi, Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, will serve as National Chair of Community Mobilization.  Pierluisi is responsible for ensuring key Democratic constituencies are organized, energized, and well-equipped to join our aggressive voter contact effort.

“Voter contact is critical to the DCCC’s effort to win the House.  Congressman Pierluisi is a leader who will organize, inspire, and motivate voters, ensuring more voices join the political process this cycle,” said DCCC Chairman Steve Israel.  “I’m pleased that Pedro is joining our DCCC team.”

Congressman Pierluisi said, “Democrats can count on me to make an all-out effort to energize voters around the country so that we can reclaim the majority in 2012.  Using all available means, I intend to mobilize the millions of Americans who share our Party’s goal of creating a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous nation.  I am confident we will prevail.”