DNC Chairwoman, Debbie Wasserman Schultz speaks during a campaign event for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton during a rally at Florida International University Panther Arena in Miami on Sunday, July 24, | AP Photo House Dem committee won't spend money on Wasserman Schultz primary

PHILADELPHIA — Debbie Wasserman Schultz is on her own in more ways than one.

Top officials for the House Democrats' campaign arm said Monday they will not spend money to defend Debbie Wasserman Schultz in her contested primary, choosing instead to concentrate their resources on swing states rather than the safe Democratic district. The news came nearly simultaneously with her declaration that she would not even gavel in the convention here.


Wasserman Schultz, the ousted DNC chair and a Florida congresswoman, is facing a difficult challenge from liberal Tim Canova — who is endorsed by Bernie Sanders. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee will offer Wasserman Schultz tactical advice but will not spend money on a seat that will remain Democratic no matter the result of the primary, declining to make an exception to long-standing rules for the expelled party head.

"Typically where our resources go ... Those go to the most competitive races in America," said Rep. Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico, the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "That's where our focus is."

"We never spend money in safe seats," said DCCC executive director Kelly Ward.

Canova has outraised Wasserman Schultz in the most recent quarter by about $400,000 but the incumbent has significantly more cash on hand. Sanders has helped Canova raise money and has railed against Wasserman Schultz, giving her one of the most serious challenges from the party's liberal wing.

"She's taking this race really seriously," Lujan said. "She has to work hard."

Nonetheless Lujan said Wasserman Schultz has not asked for strategic help. The primary is August 30.

