More bull from the NRCC?: Roll Call reports on GOP yearnings to get lucky in MN-07

In Gunning for the ‘Old Bulls’: GOP Targets Committee Veterans, Roll Call's Shira Toeplitz asks:

So why are House Republicans recruiting candidates to run against [ Rep. Bart] Gordon and some of the most powerful Democratic chairmen in Congress? According to several strategists, the National Republican Congressional Committee is either banking on strategy or luck to take out some of the House’s most senior Democrats. [emphasis added]

If Democrats incur a backlash from voters in 2010, former NRCC Chairman Tom Davis (Va.) said chairmen could face an “added burden” because their party controls both Congress and the White House. . .

The article notes that the GOP is hoping to get lucky in Minnesota's Seventh:

GOP campaign operatives said they are in talks with potential candidates against Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), the longest-serving House Member, Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), and Budget Chairman John Spratt (D-S.C.).

Bluestem is eager to learn who they ask the dance.

After all, during the last election cycle, former NRCC chair Tom Cole's discerning eye caught sight of a candidate against a DFL representative in the First. The date's campaign posted this press release announcing its support last May:

(Rochester, MN) - Today, Brian Davis for Congress confirmed support of his campaign by the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC).

In a letter dated May 7, 2008, Congressman Tom Cole, Chairman of the NRCC stated, "With outstanding candidates like you, we are fully confident that in November we will begin the steady climb toward reclaiming the majority in Congress." Congressman Cole added, "We will do all we can to assist you in your race!"

In response to the letter, which included financial support in the form of Political Action Committee funds, Brian Davis stated, "It is a privilege to work with the NRCC who have been supportive of my candidacy since we first discussed my run in January of 2007."

Walz was re-elected by 30 percent. Let's see how this goes against popular Congressman Collin Peterson.

Some errands to run, but I'll be posting later in the day about MAK's announcement and recent town hall meetings in MInnesota.

Photo: Collin Peterson (standing) at a Town Hall meeting in Willmar.

Comments

[Govtmule]

I suspect 2010 will not be quite the bonanza for the left half of the single party that 2008 was. Key factors are quality of challengers, how much traction stimulus has in the voters view of the economy and where the health care debate ends up. The democrats are stuck there - with the middle moving against the notion (disapproval sitting at about 55%) if it passes that could hurt them. If they don't pass it they seem ineffective given the majority they enjoy. Long term for the left the strategy must be to pass reform even if it means losing both houses - that ground can be regained later the opportunity will probably never loom this large against to pass their bill.

[Sally Jo Sorensen]

Govtmule, a frequent commenter here, keeps a blog at the Waseca County News, Widespread Panic.

To read his extended thoughts, check it out at http://www.wasecacountynews.com/mod/blogger/Widespread-Panic-Matt-Johansen