On the heels of DCCC Chairman Ben Ray Luján’s announcement that the House is in play in 2018, Luján today named Congresswoman Bustos (IL-17) as Chair of Heartland Engagement. The announcement reinforces the DCCC’s deep commitment to engaging rural voters as a part of its 2018 strategy:
“Growing up on a small farm and representing a large, rural district in Congress, I’ve always carried with me the values of looking out for others, working hard, and the importance of treating people with respect,” said Chairman Ben Ray Luján. “I know that these are the values shared by Congresswoman Bustos and so many Democratic candidates that are stepping up to run for Congress across the heartland. Cheri is a key member of our leadership team, and her efforts to help recruit and mentor candidates and carry our economic message is critical to our strategy this cycle.”
As the Chair of Heartland Engagement, Bustos will boost efforts to build out the DCCC’s infrastructure and spread the Democrats’ economic message to heartland voters.
“The heartland is critical to winning back the majority and we must do a better job listening to the hardworking families from small towns and rural communities if we hope to earn their support,” said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17). “As Democrats, we believe in making sure everyone has a chance to find a good-paying job, raise a family and live the American dream – regardless of where they call home. As the Chair of Heartland Engagement, I’m looking forward to helping lead our efforts to build a lasting partnership with the hardworking men and women of America’s heartland.”
DCCC Heartland Engagement
In the coming months, Chairman Luján, Rep. Bustos and their colleagues from the heartland will be advising and mentoring the many Democratic candidates stepping up to run in rural, targeted districts across the country. Bustos will play a leading role in driving the message to Heartland voters and touring key districts throughout 2018.