U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos rushed back to Washington, D.C. on Monday to head off an escalating leadership crisis at the Democratic campaign committee she chairs.
The Moline Democrat has faced heavy criticism from fellow lawmakers over a lack of diversity in the leadership ranks of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Some have also made complaints over the DCCC's perceived lack of Latino voter outreach.
Bustos cancelled her previously planned appearance at AARP Illinois' annual legislative breakfast at Bradley University in Peoria on Tuesday morning.
“Today has been a sobering day filled with tough conversations that too often we avoid, but I can say confidently that we are taking the first steps toward putting the DCCC back on path to protect and expand our majority, with a staff that truly reflects the diversity of our Democratic caucus and our party," said Bustos in a statement issued Monday.
On Monday, Iraq War veteran Allison Jaslow announced her resignation as executive director of the DCCC on Twitter.
"My committment to the mission, our country, and the people who commit their lives to serving it is unwavering. And, sometimes selfless courage means having the courage to take a bow for the sake of the mission - especially when the stakes are so high," Jaslow wrote.
POLITICO reports that Jaslow was the first of several staffers who made their exits from the DCCC on Monday. Bustos is now set to build a new team to help the Democrats retain their majority in the House of Representatives as the 2020 campaign cycle is already well underway.
Jacqueline Newman replaces Jaslow as the interim executive director of the DCCC. Bustos has formed a new Executive Council to seek a permanent director.
Bustos' office sent a quote for Peoria At-Large City Councilmember Rita Ali on Wednesday.
“Knowing Rep. Bustos, I am most confident that she will work tirelessly to repair this situation and, just as she has in recruiting and supporting minorities to run for public office, she’ll use a lens of inclusion to get the right people in the right seats. I’ve seen her commitment firsthand and know her heart and efforts are in the right place," Ali said in the quote.
Ali is also the Vice President of Diversity and Community Impact at Illinois Central College.
