For Immediate Release

Contact: Tammy Sun/Kyra Jennings
(202) 546-0007/(800) 546-0027

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) announced today that Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack will be the new Chairman of the DLC, a position held by Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN) since February 2001. Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) also joins the new leadership team as DLC's Vice-Chair. He replaces U.S. Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-CA), who has served in this role since January 2001.

The announcement comes as Gov. Vilsack and Sen. Carper, in addition to nearly 300 other elected officials from over 40 states, prepare to attend the DLC's annual National Conversation in Columbus, Ohio. Gov. Vilsack will participate in a "passing of the gavel" ceremony with Sen. Bayh at the National Conversation on Monday, July 25th, where both will also deliver policy addresses.

Gov. Vilsack said: "I'm proud and delighted to assume this new role. In my new capacity, I look forward to advancing reforms that will keep our country safe, give every American a chance to get ahead, and reconnect our party with heartland values. There is nothing wrong with our country or our party that a positive agenda won't fix." He continued, "I want all Americans who believe in security, opportunity, and responsibility to feel they have a home in the DLC and the Democratic Party."

Sen. Carper said: "I'm proud to accept this new position at the DLC and look forward to advancing a positive, reform-based agenda for Democrats as we head into the 2006 and 2008 elections. Democrats need to define ourselves by what we're for, not simply by what we're against. The DLC is focused on keeping America safe, promoting economic growth, promoting core Democratic values like family and community responsibility, and reclaiming the mantle of reform. In my new capacity, I look forward to making sure that voters across this country know that Democrats are committed to a bold reform agenda that will strengthen America at home and around the world."

Al From, CEO and Founder of the DLC, said: "We're thrilled that Gov. Vilsack and Sen. Carper will assume leadership roles with the DLC. They both have long records as reformers and innovators. Under their leadership, the DLC will continue to drive change in our country and our party by advancing a national agenda of security, opportunity, and reform that can win the support of a majority of Americans. Sen. Bayh and Rep. Tauscher have given the DLC extraordinary leadership. They have worked hard to strengthen the vital center of American politics. I look forward to their continued participation as important members of the DLC team."

Gov. Tom Vilsack is the ninth DLC chair since the organization's founding in 1985. Earlier chairs included Rep. Richard Gephardt of Missouri, Gov. Chuck Robb of Virginia, Sen. Sam Nunn of Georgia, Gov. Bill Clinton of Arkansas, Sen. John Breaux of Louisiana, Rep. Dave McCurdy of Oklahoma and Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut.

Tom Vilsack is the nation's senior Democratic governor and is recognized as an innovator on children's, economic, and healthcare policy and making government more efficient and accessible. He was the first Democrat in more than 30 years to be elected to the post in 1998. Six Democratic governors were elected during Vilsack's chairmanship of the Democratic Governors Association in 2004 while simultaneously breaking historic fundraising goals for the organization.

Tom Carper has served in public office for almost 30 years, completing a rare trifecta in Delaware politics, serving as Congressman (1982-1992), Governor (1992-2000) and now Senator (elected in 2000). In 2004, he was named a Deputy Whip for Senate Democrats. He also serves as co-chair of the Senate New Democrat Coalition, and has previously served at the DLC as Chair for Best Practices.