WASHINGTON – As part of a major revamp for the U.S. House of Representatives New Democratic Coalition, the organization elected 7^th District U.S. Representative Artur Davis as a co-chair of the organization this week.

The role makes Davis responsible for message development for the group created during the Clinton Administration as a moderate Democratic voice on policy issues in the House.  Davis will serve with five-term House veterans Ellen Tauscher (CA), Ron Kind (WI), and Adam Smith (WA).  Tauscher will serve as chair with Kind and Smith as co-chairs responsible for policy and fundraising respectively.  

"I look forward to working with Ellen Tauscher and Ron Kind as we reorganize the New Democratic Caucus," Davis said. "New Democrats played a pivotal role in shaping the policy agenda during the Clinton Administration, and we can return to that level of creativity and innovation.  New Democrats can help drive the Democratic Caucus toward a more proactive and less reactive stance on the issues of the day."

This is Congressman Davis’ second major House leadership assignment since returning to Congress this year.  In January, House Democratic Whip Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD) appointed the West Alabama representative as a Senior Whip on the House Democratic Whip Team.

Formed in 1997, The New Democrat Coalition will have 40 members for the 109^th Congress hailing from every region of the country. Intent on modernizing both the Democratic party and the country, New Democrats support policies to expand economic growth and ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to benefit from that growth; a fiscally responsible and efficient government; a secure home front; and a robust foreign policy that includes trade, constructive U.S. leadership throughout the world, and a modern and strong military.