Senate Democrats are debating replacing Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz prior to the national convention, according to CNN. The debate stems from allegations that she has become "too toxic" to continue serve as the leader of the party in the midst of a “civil war” in the party.
The Florida congresswoman has faced severe criticism during the Democratic presidential campaign for her actions as party chair — most notably from supporters of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who argue that she favors former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and has rigged the primary process. Sanders himself has been a vocal critic of Wasserman Schultz — even going so far at to endorse her primary opponent and vowing that as president he would not reappoint her as party chair.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz visits 'SiriusXM Leading Ladies' at the SiriusXM Studios in Washington, D.C. (Kris Connor/Getty Images)
A “pro-Clinton Democratic senator” told The Hill Tuesday, “There have been a lot of meetings over the past 48 hours about what color plate do we deliver Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s head on.”
“I don’t see how she can continue to the election. How can she open the convention? Sanders supporters would go nuts,” the senator added.
An anonymous “senior Senate Democratic source” echoed the sentiment to CNN.
"There is a lot of sentiment that replacing her would be a good idea," the source told CNN. "It is being discussed quietly among Democratic senators on the floor, in the cloakroom and in lunches."
Another senior Senate Democratic aide told CNN that replacing Wasserman Schultz "is something the caucus has discussed."
Wasserman Schultz still has the support of some leading Democrats in Congress, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.).
"DNC Chairwoman Wasserman Schultz enjoys the support of members of the House Democratic Caucus for her leadership in unifying the party and winning in November," Pelosi told CNN.
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