DCCC Launches Red-To-Blue Program
The DCCC is rolling out their roster of promising challengers, determined to stay on offense amid a harsh national political climate.
The party will target 7 GOP incumbents and 4 GOP-held open seats this year, armed with prominent challengers who have demonstrated their ability to raise money and build effective campaign organizations.
Dems are spotlighting contenders aimed at ousting Reps. Dan Lungren (R) and Mary Bono Mack (R) in CA, 2 incumbents who underperformed in '08. Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA) will be a target once more. And the party is optimistic about open seats being vacated by Reps. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Mike Castle (R-DE), both of whom are running for SEN seats.
The DCCC is also highlighting longer shots, like KS state Rep. Raj Goyle (D), running for Rep. Todd Tiahrt's (R-KS) open seat, and NE state Sen. Tom White (D), challenging Rep. Lee Terry (R-NE).
After 2 strong cycles, though, the DCCC is running low on targets. The 13 members of the Red-to-Blue program is far fewer than the 24 who were on the list at this point in '08. And Dems tried some trickery, too -- included on the list are candidates running for Dem-held open seats being vacated by Reps. John Tanner (D-TN) and Joe Sestak (D-PA).
Red-to-Blue contenders are given a liaison member of Congress as a mentor, along with fundraising and logistical help as their campaigns progress. The program is being run by Reps. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), Patrick Murphy (D-PA) and Donna Edwards (D-MD).
A full list of Red-to-Blue members after the jump.
Inaugural Red-to-Blue members:
Candidate Incumbent District Ami Bera Dan Lungren CA03 Paula Brooks Pat Tiberi OH12 John Callahan Charlie Dent PA15 John Carney Open (Castle) DEAL Suzan DelBene Dave Reichert WA08 Lori Edwards Open (Putnam) FL12 Raj Goyle Open (Tiahrt) KS04 Bryan Lentz Open (Sestak) PA07 Rob Miller Joe Wilson SC02 Steve Pougnet Mary Bono Mack CA45 Dan Seals Open (Kirk) IL10 Tom White Lee Terry NE02