The first sign that the DCCC is worried about the 1st Congressional District

Posted at 2:33 PM on February 15, 2007 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee issued a news release asking where Republican state senator Dick Day stands on Iraq. The DCCC's main purpose is to protect incumbents like DFL Congressman Tim Walz. Day, of Owatonna, announced last week that he intends to take on Walz.

Here's the DCCC release:

Will Dick Day Stand Up for Change in Iraq or Stay the Course?

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today continues its debate on a resolution supporting our troops and opposing President Bush’s decision to escalate troops in Iraq. State Senator Dick Day, a candidate for Congress, has not yet told the people of the 1st District of Minnesota whether they support the resolution or is a Rubber Stamp for the President’s misguided Iraq policy.

“In November, the American people sent Congress a clear message: change direction in Iraq,” said Jennifer Crider, Communications Director at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Why hasn't Dick Day taken a stand on the President’s misguided escalation policy instead of sitting on the sidelines? The people of Minnesota’s 1st District deserve to know whether Dick Day will represent them or will he just be another Rubber Stamp for the President.”

The House resolution simply says:

Congress and the American People will continue to support and protect the members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving or who have served bravely and honorably in Iraq. Congress Disapproves of the decision of President George W. Bush announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq.

# # #

UPDATE:

It appears that the DCCC added Walz to their "frontline." The Fix has the analysis.

Comments (3)

It's the DCCC's job to be worried about all freshman-incumbent districts which had margins under 10% in 2006. This is not the first sign of them fulfilling their duties in that regard, nor will it be the last. Defining a declared opponent early in the cycle is the smart thing to do, but I don't think it constitutes "worry" just yet.

Unless your professional background is doing opposition research for the Republican Party of Minnesota.

Just my $0.02

Posted by MN Campaign Report | February 15, 2007 4:17 PM

If "an unblemished record," "effective" and "successes" are the benchmarks for being worried, let's have more programs that show concern.

Perhaps the DSCC can get "worried" about replacing Norm Coleman.

Posted by Ollie Ox | February 16, 2007 1:04 PM

Isn't "worried" a fairly judgmental term?

It bothers me whenever I read Polinaut using terms or phrases that would sound more at home at Minnesota Democrats Exposed.

And why is it that the Minnesota media in general are finding it so gosh darned hard to cover the 1CD? The blogs keep reporting that Tim Walz, on visits home, is quickly becoming a "beloved" figure by Minnesotans who had long felt neglected by Gil Gutknecht. His Hy-Vee meet the constituents days have been well received and his actions in Congress accurately reflect the sentiments of his District.

Worried? I really can't figure out where you get that descriptive term from. It seems long on conjecture, and short on supporting documentation. If press releases are all the proof you need, doesn't that prove that the "press release happy" Republicans are "worried" about each and every one of their incumbents?

Chris Cillizza's language isn't quite the same as the DCCC's. The DCCC attributes the need for their frontline group to the need of those politicians listed to defend themselves: "Should the Republicans target them with misleading or baseless attacks we stand ready to help."

So, are the Republicans attacking Tim Walz? If you read Minnesota Democrats Exposed you'd have to say yes, they are. Even on issues where Walz has joined with Sen. Coleman and Rep. Bachmann (i.e., DM&E). The author of MDE is a former Republican party official who was on several Republican payrolls last year. I'd say that it's the Republicans who appear to be worried.

Republicans attack, Democrats defend. Not quite the same thing, and given the recent electoral "success" of the Republicans, I don't think "worried" is the word I would use. IMHO, it's more like prudent people readying the sandbags for the next wave of tidal muck from the smear artists and attack blogs.

Posted by Mark Gisleson | February 19, 2007 12:35 PM

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