Braley leading “Red to Blue program”

Announcement from House leadership:

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Chris Van Hollen today announced the leadership for the Red to Blue program and additional assistance with incumbent protection.

DCCC Vice Chair Bruce Braley (IA) will join Representatives Allyson Schwartz (PA), Patrick Murphy (PA), and Donna Edwards (MD) as chairs of the Red to Blue Program for the 2010 cycle. The Red to Blue program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, grassroots, and strategic support.  The very successful fundraising effort helped raise more than $26 million for Red to Blue candidates last cycle.   

DCCC Chair Chris Van Hollen said, “The DCCC is focused on not only protecting our threatened incumbents, but also staying aggressively on offense. The talented leadership of our battle-tested Red to Blue chairs Bruce Braley, Allyson Schwartz, Patrick Murphy, and Donna Edwards will ensure Democratic candidates have the infrastructure and support they need to be successful.”

Representative Bruce Braley, Vice Chair for candidate services, brings his experience from co-chairing last cycle’s successful and effective Red to Blue Program, and as a former beneficiary of the program. Representative Allyson Schwartz brings her experience as the chair of the DCCC Women LEAD program.  As a former member of Red to Blue, Representative Patrick Murphy brings firsthand knowledge that will serve Democratic candidates well this cycle.  Representative Donna Edwards knows what it takes to win tough races and will bring that experience and determination to the Red to Blue program.  All the Red to Blue chairs are members of the DCCC recruiting committee.

The Red to Blue program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, and strategic support.

In addition, Chair Van Hollen announced Vice Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Representative Steve Israel, chair of the DCCC Recruiting Committee, will take on additional responsibility this cycle with Democratic incumbents who are not on the DCCC’s Frontline Program.

“This is a tough cycle for Democrats and the DCCC is focused on preserving our gains.  Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Steve Israel’s savvy, battle tested leadership will be a real asset to our Members facing tough reelections,” said Van Hollen.