The three plan to build on the NDC's record of achievement under the leadership of NDC founders and outgoing co-chairs, Representatives Cal Dooley, (Calif.), Jim Moran (Va.) and Tim Roemer (Ind.). This leadership change will be the first the group has undertaken since its creation in 1997.

"Whether the debate has been teachers, trade or technology, Cal Dooley, Tim Roemer and Jim Moran have led the way in helping our coalition and our Congress find moderate, bipartisan solutions to our nation's problems," said Rep. Jim Davis (Fla.). "I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the New Democrat Coalition and build on our previous co-chairs' successes."

The NDC has worked successfully to reform education, balance the federal budget, pass China PNTR, invest in the skills of American workers, and strengthen the foundations of America's technology and innovation-driven New Economy. New Democrats have frequently provided the key swing votes needed to pass critical legislation and have always played a vital role in driving moderate bi-partisan legislation.

Speaking at today's announcement, Rep. Cal Dooley (Calif.) said, "I am confident that the New Democrat Coalition will continue to be a strong voice for policies that ensure that all Americans benefit from our economic growth and prosperity."

Rep. Jim Moran (Va.) offered this about the new co-chairs: "Jim, Adam and Ron are three of the best and brightest members of the Congress. I am excited to have them as the new leaders of the New Democrat Coalition. They are hard working, committed Members and will ensure that we continue our efforts toward a moderate, pro-growth agenda in the Democratic Party."

"This is not your parents' Democratic Party," Rep. Adam Smith (Wash.) said. "New Democrats stand for the core Democratic values of opportunity, responsibility and community, but we're going to use modern means to get there. Democrats have to learn how to harness the power of both the private sector and the government to offer citizens the best quality of life possible."

"The New Democrat agenda represents not only sound policy, it has also proven to be good politics," said Rep. Tim Roemer (Ind.). "Almost every new seat the Democrats have picked up in the last three elections has been won by a New Democrat. The New Democrats may not reflect the Democratic Party of the past and we are not yet a majority of the caucus at the present time, but our ideas and our message certainly represent the future of our party."

The NDC also announced the formation of an Executive Council to help steer the NDC on policy decisions and build relationships within the Democratic Party. Members will include Representatives Susan Davis (Calif.), Harold Ford Jr. (Tenn.), Jane Harman (Calif.), Darlene Hooley (Ore.), and Baron Hill (Ind.). Representatives Dooley (Calif.), Moran (D-Va.) and Roemer (D-Ind.) will also serve on the Executive Council. Rep. Jane Harman (Calif.), who will serve as Executive Council president, had this to say: "In addition to new ideas, New Democrats bring new diversity in shaping a modern agenda for our party. We hope to move beyond the centrist element of our party to becomes its new center."

"The strength of the New Democrat Coalition has always been its members - the best examples of which have been Cal, Jim and Tim," said Rep. Ron Kind (Wis.). "Through our members, the NDC has gained influence by pursuing a centrist, pro-growth agenda that recognizes the need to expand economic opportunities for all Americans. I look forward to building upon our past successes, and pursuing our 'third-way' agenda that has not only been good for the New Democratic Coalition, the Democratic Party, but especially the American people."

The New Democrat Coalition is a group of 74 pro-growth, centrist Democrats in the House of Representatives founded in 1997. Since then, two-thirds of Democrats elected to the House have joined the NDC, making it the largest and one of the most influential caucuses in the House. For more information about the group, or to speak with one of the new co-chairs, please contact Diane Pratt-Heavner at (202) 225-3376 in Rep. Jim Davis's office, Darin Schroeder with Rep. Ron Kind at (202) 225-5506, or Katharine Lister in Rep. Adam Smith's office at (202) 226-8454.