Carper Chosen to Be Deputy Whip for Senate Democrats

WASHINGTON (Dec. 20, 2004) – Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., will join incoming Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Assistant Leader Richard Durbin, D-Ill., as a member of a new Senate Democratic leadership team responsible for shaping Democratic messages and priorities in the 108th Congress. Carper has accepted a nomination from Minority Leader Reid to be Deputy Whip for the Democrats. “I’m proud to be joining this new leadership team and I’ll work hard to unite our caucus in promoting a common-sense, forward-looking agenda,” said Carper. “This past election wasn’t the most successful for Democrats, but we need to put that behind us and focus on the challenges that lie ahead – modernizing our Social Security system, enacting sound environmental legislation, and returning a sense of fiscal discipline in Washington.” As a deputy whip, Sen. Carper will help monitor the Senate floor and assist Sen. Durbin in talking to Democrats about legislation and how they plan to vote. As a leader of the centrist wing of the Democratic Party, Carper will play an important role in helping build consensus among Democrats on the most important issues that will face this country over the next two years. “Tom will be a great Deputy Whip,” said Senator Joe Biden, D-De., “Since coming to the Senate four years ago he has made a name for himself as a problem solver and someone who can bring people together and get things done,” said Senator Biden.