Open Seat Dems Hope to Collect DC Cash
Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), is headlining a fundraising reception at Johnny’s Half Shell this afternoon for 15 Democrats running for open seats across the country. Also acting as draws are Reps. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, Donna Edwards, D-Md., Patrick Murphy, D-Pa., and Allyson Schwartz, D-Pa..
The reception is part of the committee’s “Red to Blue” program, which offers financial and strategic support to candidates in hot races. Candidates earn a spot in the program by, among other things, “surpassing demanding fundraising goals.” Most of them could use an infusion of DC cash–nine out of the 15 have raised in the neighborhood of 10 percent or less of their campaign money from out-0f-state, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
The one exception is Raj Goyle, who hopes to represent Kansas’ fourth district, and the only one of the candidates listed who is running in a district rated as “solid Republican” by The Cook Report. Goyle has gotten more cash from the Washington, DC area than any other . Goyle recently told a local TV station, “I think a lot of people are angry at Washington right now, and so am I.” Despite raising $1.3 million, Goyle was four points behind his main Democratic primary opponent, retiree Robert Tillman, in a recent poll. The winner of the Kansas Democratic primary on Aug. 3 will likely face oilman Wink Hartman, who just put $1.24 million of his own cash into his campaign.
The DCCC is asking for PACs to shell out anywhere from $2,500 to be a “PAC friend,” to $10,000, to be a “PAC Host.” Individuals are asked for $250 to $2,500. PACs and individuals are asked to indicate how they want to direct their contributions to the various campaigns, with the DCCC serving as the conduit.
The 15 Red-to-Blue candidates are:
Dan Seals, Ill.
Trent Van Haaften, Ind.
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Entertainment Type: type of gathering, such as "breakfast," "ski trip," "bowling"
Other Lawmakers Mentioned: lawmakers mentioned on invitation who are used as a draw for the event
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