Israel has shot at heading Dems' campaign committee

After the House Democratic Caucus votes Wednesday on next year's leaders, Rep. Steve Israel of Huntington has a shot to be named Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chairman.

It's a powerful but busy job, raising money, recruiting candidates and defending incumbents. Sen. Charles Schumer turned two terms as Senate campaign chairman into a permanent leadership post. Israel is a favorite, but Florida's Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz is also in the hunt. The appointment will be made by the newly elected House minority leader, likely to be House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California.

Meanwhile, New York Reps. Tim Bishop of Southampton and Dan Maffei of DeWitt must get caucus approval to vote Wednesday because their races remain undecided.

- Tom Brune in Washington