The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced a new round of targeted races for its “Red to Blue” program, part of the party’s efforts to regain the House majority that they lost in the 2010 wipeout.
On a conference call with reporters, DCCC Chairman Steve Israel (D-NY) unveiled several challengers it will back in their quest to take GOP-held seats.
They include, among others: former N.H. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter in a rematch with Rep. Frank Guinta; former White House aide Sean Patrick Maloney against N.Y. Rep. Nan Hayworth and Texas state Rep. Pete Gallego against Rep. Quico Canseco.
Israel also said the DCCC will support a number of candidates in competitive open-seat races that are currently held by Democrats. Israel said candidates in Dem-held districts, though they wouldn’t flip from “Red to Blue,” are being included because the party has no program specifically designated for open seats.
Israel also listed four candidates in the “Emerging Races” category — races that could become competitive, including businessman Jim Graves, who is hoping to unseat Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann.
