Walz added to DCCC Red to Blue program

10/28/2006

Note: Yesterday’s press advisory regarding campaign events with Sen. Obama, Sen. Kerry and Garrison Keillor included incorrect information about the Klobuchar-Kennedy debate on November 2nd.  The debate will take place at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, not at the Marriott Hotel as previously stated.

MN-1 CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN AMONG MOST COMPETITIVE IN UNITED STATES

(Washington, D.C.) – On Friday, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee unveiled, for the first time in committee history, a fourth wave of Democratic congressional candidates that have qualified for the competitive DCCC Red to Blue program.  Tim Walz is among the latest addition to the program.  Walz’s campaign exceeded a number of ambitious goals to earn a spot in the program, including raising more than $1 million during the election cycle. 

“There is a very clear choice in this race between the new energy and new direction being offered by Tim Walz and more of the same failed Washington policies from Gil Gutknecht.  Tim Walz has been added to the Red to Blue program because his campaign for change has energized voters across the district who are going to cast their ballots for a new direction this November,” commented DCCC Communications Director Bill Burton.

“I’m proud to be a part of the Red to Blue program,” said Walz.  “Inclusion in this program demonstrates not only that the national Democratic party believes my campaign infrastructure and fundraising are more than adequate to run a successful race, but also that our message of positive change is reaching voters across the district.”

The Walz-Gutknecht race is considered a dead heat and is currently ranked the 37th most competitive House race in the country by National Journal.

About Red to Blue

The Red to Blue program is designed to provide financial and structural aid to the strongest Democratic candidates across the country.  Red to Blue was a proven success in 2004 and has been an unprecedented success in 2006.  So far, Red to Blue has raised more than $15 million for Democratic candidates across the country.  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 over 35 campaigns and making a real difference for Democrats across America.

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.

The fourth wave of Red to Blue candidates will benefit 17 Democratic challengers.  Fifty-six campaigns across the country qualified to be a part of the first three waves of Red to Blue and the Emerging Races list.

Red to Blue Fourth Wave

Ellen Simon (AZ-01)
Charlie Brown (CA-04)
Jerry McNerney (CA-11)
Francine Busby (CA-50)
Jay Fawcett (CO-05)
Larry Grant (ID-01)
John Yarmuth (KY-03)
Tim Walz (MN-01)
Larry Kissell (NC-08)
Dave Mejias (NY-03)
John Hall (NY-19)
Jack Davis (NY-26)
Eric Massa (NY-29)
Victoria Wulsin (OH-02)
Jason Altmire (PA-04)
Judy Feder (VA-10)
Peter Goldmark (WA-05)

For more information on Red to Blue:
CONTACT:  Bill Burton/Sarah Feinberg, (202) 485-3440