6th CD: Emanuel's DCCC to give extra boost to Duckworth

6th CD: Emanuel’s DCCC to give extra boost to Duckworth

By Lynn Sweet

from the DCCC

DCCC Unveils Candidates in Competitive Red to Blue Fundraising Program

Red to Blue is an Exclusive Program That Rewards Candidates for Meeting Fundraising Goals and Getting Their Message Across to the Voters They Hope to Represent

DCCC Unveils Candidates in Competitive Red to Blue Fundraising Program

Red to Blue is an Exclusive Program That Rewards Candidates for Meeting Fundraising Goals and Getting Their Message Across to the Voters They Hope to Represent

(Washington, D.C.) Today, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee unveiled the first slate of Democratic congressional candidates that have qualified for the competitive DCCC Red to Blue fundraising program. These candidates earned a spot in the program by surpassing demanding fundraising goals and by skillfully showing voters that they stand for change and will represent new priorities when elected to Congress. The Red to Blue program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications and strategic support.

These candidates for change have performed remarkably in the early stages of their campaigns and the Red to Blue Program will give them the structural and financial edge to be even more competitive this November,? said Congressman Rahm Emanuel, Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. This election will be a critical referendum on the direction of our nation. Democratic candidates across the country are campaigning on a message of change from the status quo Republican priorities that have cost American families in so many ways. These candidates are strong examples of Democrats who represent a commitment to new priorities for the families they hope to represent.?

The Red to Blue program is designed to provide financial and structural aid to the strongest Democratic candidates across the country. The program will introduce Democratic supporters to new, competitive campaigns in order to help expand the fundraising base for these campaigns. This is the first time the DCCCs Red to Blue program has been implemented this early in an election year.

The Red to Blue Program is co-chaired by two Democratic Members of Congress who will help the Red to Blue candidates in their campaigns. Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) will provide assistance on many aspects of campaigning.

Another feature of the Red to Blue Program is the Mentoring Program which pairs candidates with Members of Congress to aid them in their campaigns and help them meet deadlines along the way. Through the Mentoring Program, headed by Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA), candidates will receive help with fundraising and earning additional media coverage. Mentors will act as a liaison between campaigns and the DCCC and will also campaign in candidates districts.

Red to Blue was a proven success in 2004. The DCCC is making key improvements to it as well as maintaining the best elements of the program. 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. Red to Blue was also responsible for solidifying the structure of dozens of campaigns and making a real difference for Democrats across America.

Twenty-two campaigns across the country qualified to be a part of this program for the second quarter.

Red to Blue Candidates

Darcy Burner (WA-08)

Phyllis Busansky (FL-09)

Francine Busby (CA-50)

Joe Courtney (CT-02)

John Cranley (OH-01)

Jill Derby (NV-02)

Tammy Duckworth (IL-06)

Brad Ellsworth (IN-08)

Diane Farrell (CT-04)

Steve Filson (CA-11)