OH-07: Neuhardt Added to DCCC Red-to-Blue List
Submitted by Jeff on Thu, 09/11/2008 - 4:14pm.
Great news for Sharen Neuhardt (D-Yellow Springs), battling empty suit-plagiarist Steve Austria (R-Beavercreek) for the open 7th Ohio Congressional District seat! The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has added her race to it's top tier "Red-to-Blue" program, described as "highlight[ing] top Democratic campaigns across the country. ... These candidates earned a spot in the program by surpassing fundraising goals and skillfully demonstrating to voters that they stand for change and will represent new priorities when elected to Congress."
This is a remarkable and exciting development because Neuhardt was elevated to the top tier without spending any time on the intermediate "Emerging Races" list.
“I am honored to receive this support,” said Neuhardt in a press release. “I am committed to making sure the interests of the people in this District are heard as I make my way to Congress. This honor reflects what I’ve been hearing from voters – this is not the same old 7th Congressional District. People are ready for change and I plan to bring it.”
Other Ohio races in the Red-to-Blue Program are OH-01, OH-02, OH-15, and OH-16.
From a practical standpoint, being in the Red-to-Blue Program represents a huge boost in fund-raising potential, as well as technical assistance. In 2006, the Red to Blue program raised nearly $22.6 million for 56 campaigns with an average of $404,000 per campaign.
Congrats
Congrats to the campaign -- that's great news! This seat hasn't been in the Democratic column in a VERY long time, so to have it recognized as a potential pick-up is a huge step.