Rep. Chris Van Hollen (Md.), chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, is expected to announce today that House Majority Whip James Clyburn (S.C.) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (Conn.) will become the vice chairmen of the DCCC.

Clyburn and DeLauro have been tasked with leading the DCCC’s Member Participation Program, with a focus on strategic planning and the use of Members as surrogates in targeted districts — as well as Members’ general participation at the committee. Political travel, dues payment and overall fundraising all will fall under the purview of the two new vice chairmen.

“Jim Clyburn and Rosa DeLauro are savvy, strategic Members who have demonstrated great leadership in the Congress on behalf of our nation,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) said in a statement. “They will be outstanding vice chairs.”

Clyburn and DeLauro become the DCCC’s first vice chairmen of this cycle and were chosen in part because of their ties to Pelosi and Van Hollen. Additionally, they have strong ties into disparate parts of the House Democratic Caucus.

Clyburn is seen as having connections with black Members and conservatives in the South and elsewhere; DeLauro has her finger on the pulse of the Caucus’ left wing. DeLauro in particular is a close ally of Pelosi, and in addition, could have an ally when it comes to plotting strategy in her husband, Stan Greenberg, a top Democratic pollster.

Among the responsibility of the new vice chairmen will be to aid Democratic incumbents seen as vulnerable in 2008 to Republican challenges, whether it means facilitating campaign appearances by fellow Caucus members or other assistance.

“Their knowledge about our races, and deep friendships in the Caucus will make them extremely effective Vice Chairs,” Van Hollen said in a statement.