Van Hollen: We Have To 'rise To The Occasion'

DCCC head Rep. Chris Van Hollen said Democrats have “beaten the historical curse” by picking up seats following a wave election, but said now is the time to get down to business.

“We now have to rise to occasion,” said Van Hollen in an interview late Tuesday night. “With big opportunity comes major responsibilities…We need to follow through as quickly as possible on the issues that were discussed in campaign.”

He said congressional Democrats are still planning on pushing a second economic stimulus package in a lame-duck session later this month. However, Van Hollen said that if Bush “drags his feet” on the measure, he has the luxury of working with the next administration to pass it.

Van Hollen praised the Obama campaign, saying the “surge in voter turnout was a factor” in tipping many close races in the Democrats favor.