CROWN POINT | Without contest or lengthy deliberation, Democratic Party leaders chose Rochelle "Shelli" VanDenburgh on Sunday to replace former state Rep. Bob Kuzman.

VanDenburgh, 37, a Center Township Board member, was the only person to file candidacy papers for the seat Kuzman gave up June 26 to join an Indianapolis law and lobbying firm. Democratic committeepersons spent less than 10 minutes in a closed caucus at the Lake County Government Complex auditorium in Crown Point before a voice vote, applause and adjournment.

State Democratic Party Chairman Dan Parker and VanDenburgh are confident VanDenburgh will hold off a GOP challenge when the term expires in 2008.

"They're not going to take it from us," VanDenburgh said.

She said the Democratic Party "can't lose" with the quality of the party's leadership.

Parker -- exiting the less combustible of two caucuses in Northwest Indiana on Sunday -- said Kuzman built a base for VanDenburgh to succeed.

"We feel very confident that Shelli will be able to keep the seat with the Democratic Party," Parker said.

Kuzman represented District 19 for 11 years. The district spreads over Lake, Porter and Newton counties.

VanDenburgh is a supervisor in the child support division of the Lake County clerk's office.

Kuzman said VanDenburgh should focus on education, taxes and health care.

"And I'm sure she'll do a great job," he said.