Washington, DC – DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz issued the following statement today on Tuesday’s primaries in Alabama, California, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota:

“Congratulations to the Democratic candidates who advanced to the general election in November. Once again, today’s primary results are indicative of the stark contrast between the priorities of the Democratic and Republican parties. While Democrats are focused on providing economic security for middle-class families, Republicans have nominated out-of-touch candidates beholden to wealthy special interests and a radical Tea Party ideology that embraces government shutdowns and obstructs progress.

“Democratic Rep. Bruce Braley has a proven history championing middle-class Iowans, helping create incentives for business to hire unemployed workers and veterans. The reality of Joni Ernst's record in the Iowa Senate couldn't be a greater contrast. While outside groups and national Republicans from Marco Rubio to Sarah Palin rallied behind Ernst, her positions raise serious concerns for a general election. Ernst could ask Mitt Romney how difficult it is to ‘etch-a-sketch’ away the radical positions taken to win, because it won’t be possible once Iowans get to know her record.
 
“In race after race, Republican candidates have been pulled so far to the right by the Tea Party that it is a distinction without a difference. The likely runoff in Mississippi caused by Tea Party candidate Chris McDaniel shows that the GOP is the Same Old Party, which has failed to learn its lessons from recent elections. Come November, voters will reject a Republican Party which opposes an increase in the minimum wage for hard working Americans, has blocked equal pay for women, and is obsessed with repealing the benefits of the Affordable Care Act for millions of Americans.

“While Democrats have nominated mainstream candidates focused on economic issues, like Gov. Jerry Brown and Sen. John Walsh, the policies of Republican candidates like Mike Rounds and Steve Daines are those of a Republican Party focused only on the interests of the few. The Democratic Party is committed to fighting for opportunity for all, providing voters a clear choice when they cast their ballot this November.”