Candidates for Change Named to DCCC Red to Blue Program
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The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee today announced the first round of Red to Blue candidates challenging Republican incumbents. This is the second slate of Democratic congressional candidates that have qualified for the competitive DCCC Red to Blue program, the first slate was for candidates in open seats. These candidates earned a spot in the program by surpassing demanding fundraising goals and skillfully demonstrating to voters that they stand for change and will represent new priorities when elected to Congress.
These candidates have come out of the gate strong and the Red to Blue Program will give them the financial and structural edge to be even more competitive in November," said Chairman Chris Van Hollen, Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "The candidates for change in our first round of challenger Red to Blue are strong examples of Democrats who represent a commitment to new priorities for the families in their districts.
The Red to Blue program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, and strategic support. The program will introduce Democratic supporters to new, competitive candidates in order to help expand the fundraising base for these campaigns.
Chairman Van Hollen joined Red to Blue co-chairs Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Artur Davis (D-AL), and Bruce Braley (D-IA) to announce the first 13 challenger candidates for change who qualified for the Red to Blue:
Kay Barnes (MO-06)
Anne Barth (WV-02)
Darcy Burner (WA-08)
Robert Daskas (NV-03)
Steve Driehaus (OH-01)
Jim Himes (CT-04)
Christine Jennings (FL-13)
Larry Kissell (NC-08)
Suzanne Kosmas (FL-24)
Eric Massa (NY-29)
Gary Peters (MI-09)
Mark Schauer (MI-07)
Dan Seals (IL-10)
Red to Blue was a proven success in the 2004 and 2006 cycles. In 2004, the Red to Blue program raised nearly $7.5 million for twenty seven campaigns across the country with an average of more than $250,000 per campaign. In 2006, the Red to Blue program raised nearly $22.6 million for 56 campaigns with an average of $404,000 per campaign. Red to Blue was also responsible for solidifying the structure of dozens of campaigns and making a real difference for Democrats across America.
You’ve probably heard the commotion about Reps. Meek and Wasserman Schultz, regarding their refusal to support Democrat challengers in Florida, because the republican challengers are their friends (friends who vote against stem cell research, SCHIP, etc.). Wasserman Schultz is even a member of the DCCC Red to Blue Committee (the Red to Red Committee in this case).
According to the quote from the DCCC below, they’re just fine with Democrats not supporting Democrats. Glad you’re so understanding and accommodating; this is the kind of weak leadership that lost Congress for 12 years for Democrats!
“It doesn’t change our level of commitment in any way or diminish it,” Crider said. “Members [of Congress] have to do their own politics as well. We completely understand they need to do what’s best for them and their constituents.”
I am extremely disappointed by the lack of support for our South Florida candidates. Yet another shining example of why Republicans pummel us cycle after cycle. Nobody who caucuses with Republicans deserves a pass. These three seats could be the difference between a Democratic majority and a Republican majority. Shame on any Democratic Washingtonian who puts their personal kinship ahead of the goals of the party and the country.
I find it quite funny, but not in a “haha” sense. That the DCCC is requesting monies for DEMs to Fight Republicans yet you have Rep. Meeks and Rep. Wasserman Schultz who refuse to endorse or campaign for very good candidates against Republicans in their state.
When you ask Rep. Meek or Rep. Wasserman Schultz to either support the candidates or to remove themselves from the “Red to Blue” committees I will then make donations!
Your only criteria for inclusion seem to be fund-raising ability, not issues.
Isn’t this what scuttled the progress of the party over the years since
you deep-sixed progressive programs and started going to corporations hat in hand?
I cannot fathom why Representatives Wasserman-Schultz and Meek are allowed to remain on the Red to Blue committee or why the DCCC would fund their campaigns when they are unwilling to back fellow Democrats. For them to urge voters to back the Diaz-Balarts and Ros-Lehtinen over Democratic challengers is reprehensible. What would the party do if Hillary Clinton were to claim that John McCain would be a better President than Barack Obama? Whoops. Never mind.