Donna Edwards to Lead DCCC ‘Red to Blue’ Program

By Abby Livingston, Roll Call -Maryland Rep. Donna Edwards has been named chairwoman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s “Red to Blue” program, which assists the party’s top challengers.

Edwards, now in her third full term in the House, spent the first half of the cycle leading the committee’s recruitment program. With primary season kicking into high gear this month, the congresswoman is shifting to this new leadership position.

Serving alongside Edwards as vice chairs of the program will be Reps. Lois Frankel of Florida and Denny Heck of Washington.

Red to Blue offers financial, communications, grass-roots and strategic support for candidates running for open or GOP-held seats who have met strict fundraising and infrastructure goals, according to the DCCC.

“The DCCC’s aggressive leadership team is the best there is, and I’m thrilled to announce that Representative Edwards will continue her outstanding leadership as Red To Blue Chair, and that she will be supported by Representatives Lois Frankel and Denny Heck as Vice Chairs,” DCCC Chairman Steve Israel of New York said in a statement on Thursday.

“These candidates have already built aggressive campaign operations and proved they have a path to victory, and Representatives Edwards, Frankel and Heck will work with them through November to ensure they have the resources and tools they need  to win,” he added.

While Red to Blue focuses on candidates the party hopes to add to its ranks in Congress, the DCCC also has a “Frontline” program that assists its most vulnerable incumbents.

House Democrats must win 17 seats net in November to take the gavel back from Republicans. At this point in the cycle, that appears unlikely.

via Donna Edwards to Lead DCCC Red to Blue Program.