DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen released the following
statement on Travis Childers' victory in the special election runoff in
Mississippi's
1st Congressional District. With tonight's win, the Democratic
majority in Congress has expanded to 236-199.
"Congratulations to Travis Childers on his stunning victory. His victory has sent a political thunderbolt across America tonight. It is yet another rejection of the House Republican agenda, the Bush Administration's misguided policies, and John McCain's campaign for a third Bush term.
"For the first time in more than 30 years the Democratic Party has picked up three Republican seats in special elections in one cycle. Republicans and their outside groups pulled out all the stops in an attempt to nationalize a congressional race and distract voters away from their own candidates' failure to stand up for middle class families. The NRCC broke the bank and spent nearly 20 percent of their cash on hand on a ruby red district. Travis's victory proves that a Democrat who puts the economy, health care, and homegrown values front and center can win anywhere in America. After three consecutive Special Election defeats in districts President Bush twice won easily, it is abundantly clear the American people have turned their back and shut the door on the special interest driven agenda of the Republican Party. There is no district that is safe for Republican candidates because President Bush's failed policies have hurt every community in America.
"Travis will be a tremendous asset to our Democratic Caucus and a powerful voice in the fight to strengthen our economy, improve education, and make health care more accessible and affordable for America's struggling middle class families."
UPDATE: Speaker Pelosi's statement:
"On behalf of the Democratic Caucus, I welcome Congressman-elect Travis Childers to the House of Representatives and congratulate him on his spectacular victory.
"As I tell every new Member of Congress, 'your title Representative is your job description.' Travis Childers earned the votes of the people of Mississippi's First Congressional District because he reflects their values and shares their hopes and dreams for the future.
"Congressman-elect Childers' message of positive change and bipartisan progress to create jobs, lower gas prices, and improve access to quality health care resonated in Mississippi, just as our candidates' messages did in Illinois and Louisiana in two recent special elections. For the third time this year, Democrats have turned a red seat to blue, proving
that Americans across our country want real solutions and reject Republicans' misleading and negative attacks. For the first time in more than 30 years, Democrats have won three special elections in Republican seats in one cycle.
"I look forward to welcoming Congressman-elect Childers and his family to the Capitol and to swearing in the newest Member of the New Direction Congress."
As Executive Director of 21st Century Democrats, I’d like to salute Travis Childers on his win tonight. As a populist organization founded by Jim Hightower and Tom Harkin, we are glad to see his opposition to bad trade deals resonate in a district which has lost so many jobs during the Bush administration. I worked as the Western Field Director for the DCCC in 1994 and watched as we lost several special elections leading up to the devastating 1994 election. The Republicans should be shaking in their boots. This is going to be a huge Democratic year. Check out our support for many terrific Democrats running for Congress at http://www.21stcenturydems.org
Way to go Travis! You have once again proven that the desperate smear tactics of the opposition will no longer work. I can’t wait to watch the swearing-in ceremony on C-SPAN.
Congrats to the DCCC on a brilliant year so far….here’s to more victories to come!