Obama’s New Political Chief Tries to Reassure Democrats.
'Last month Mr. Simas reinaugurated the job of White House political director, which had not existed since 2011. The ascension of Mr. Simas driven, data-obsessed and a relentless salesman is meant as a message to anxiety-prone Democrats that the White House is serious about mitigating losses in the Republican House and defending the partys control of the Senate.
Mr. Simas (pronounced SEE-mas) is carrying out a midterm election-year strategy that aims to put Republicans on the defensive in key congressional races by daring them to block votes on Capitol Hill on popular issues: a higher minimum wage, an overhaul of the immigration system and equal pay legislation, among others. He will oversee a staff of five to help guide President Obamas message that the choice is opportunity for all or for the few.'
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/02/us/politics/obamas-new-political-chief-tries-to-reassure-democrats.html?hp&_r=0