The staffer for DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz who posted the controversial 'Jewbag' photo on her Facebook page in 2006 is no anonymous aide -- but the daughter of Mark and Nancy Gilbert, two major Florida donors who have raised more than $500,000 for the Obama campaign.
Danielle "Dani" Gilbert, according to party sources, was tapped by Wasserman Schultz to serve as a liaison to the Jewish community, even though party officials and people close to Obama told her that more senior Democrats were already handling those responsibilities.
Wasserman Schultz has thus far refused to fire or discipline Gilbert, whose gallery of candid photos and personal commentary has since been removed from her public Facebook page, according to Democrats.
(Also on POLITICO: Wasserman Schultz says Mormonism off limits)
"I apologize for any harm postings on my Facebook page made years ago may have caused anyone. I meant no offense," Gilbert, who is Jewish, posted on Twitter Thursday.
On Wednesday, a conservative web site reported on Gilbert's Facebook page, and reports about the caption -- clearly meant as an in-joke to a group of college students -- hit bigger outlets, including the New York Post.
"Danni has excelled in her role handling Jewish issues for the Chair in her Congressional office and was brought on here part time to do outreach to the Jewish Community," said DNC spokesman Brad Woodhouse. "Like many in the age of social media, she had things posted on her Facebook page that she now regrets and which she has apologized for. Her employment both in the Chair's Congressional office and at the DNC is a testament to her knowledge and professionalism and nothing more – and no smear driven by the right wing noise machine is going to impact her status as a trusted member of this team."
The kerfuffle poses a significant tsuris for Wasserman Schultz, who is close to the Gilberts, a fundraising force in Florida.
And it creates an unneeded headache for Obama's Chicago-based campaign, which has gone out of its way to assure Jewish contributors and voters that they are sufficiently supportive of Israel.
In 2009, Obama referred to Mark, an investor and philanthropist, and Nancy, who operates tours in the Holy Land, as 'friends.'
Last summer, the couple hosted a $400,000 fundraiser for Obama -- with first lady Michelle Obama as the guest of honor -- at their Park City, Utah vacation home.
Calls to Wasserman Schultz's congressional spokesman and Nancy Gilbert's travel agency weren't immediately returned.
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