Biden to host fundraiser for embattled DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz

WASHINGTON, June 9 (UPI) -- Continuing the Obama administration's defense of embattled Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Vice President Joe Biden said he will headline a fundraiser in Florida to bolster her primary campaign.

The announcement is the latest in an ongoing proxy fight between supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and the party establishment that Wasserman Schultz embodies.

Sanders supporters have been furious with the DNC for what they view as unfair treatment dating back to the early days of the campaign, when the DNC released a debate calendar widely seen as benefiting Hillary Clinton. The tensions bubbled up again last month, when Wasserman Schultz scolded Sanders supporters who turned the Nevada party convention into a fracas over what they said was unfair treatment of Sanders delegates by the state party.

Now, Wasserman Schultz, whose 23rd congressional district includes Hollywood, Dania Beach, Weston and stretches south to include all of Miami Beach, is facing a primary challenge from Florida lawyer Tim Canova. The Miami Herald reports that Wasserman Schultz is taking the challenge seriously.

Biden's fundraising effort on her behalf counters Sanders' personal involvement in the race. Sanders has endorsed Canova and sent emails to his supporters seeking donations for the challenger.

As a result, Canova told the Herald that he's close to raising $1 million for his campaign -- a huge sum for a first-item candidate challenging a powerful sitting member of Congress.

On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest reiterated Obama's faith in Wasserman Schultz and his desire for her to remain as head of the DNC through the November election. Obama tapped Wasserman Schultz for the job in 2011, prior to his successful re-election campaign.

Politico reports the Biden fundraiser will be held on June 12. Attendees will be asked to donate $2,700 per person -- the individual campaign contribution limit -- or make a larger $10,000 donation to the Democratic Party and be listed as a co-host for the event. Biden has pledged to personally greet everyone in attendance and stand for photos with Wasserman Schultz supporters.