By Rob Hotakainen in Washington
Physician Ami Bera of Elk Grove is officially a top-tier candidate for Democrats.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) today announced that Bera, who's trying to unseat Republican Rep. Dan Lungren of Gold River, is one of 13 candidates who have earned a spot in the committee's competitive Red to Blue program.
It's recognition of a candidate's ability to raise money. Bera has been raising more money than Lungren since entering the race last year. Lungren, an eight-term incumbent, ended 2009 with $527,000 in the bank, while Bera had 40 percent more, or $740,000. According to their year-end reports filed with the Federal Election Commission, Bera raised $871,000 during 2009, while Lungren raised $733,000.
"These candidates have come out of the gate strong and the Red to Blue Program will give them the financial and structural edge to be even more competitive in November," said Maryland Rep. Chris Van Hollen, the DCCC's chairman. "These candidates are generating excitement back home and are making the case to voters that their commitment to creating jobs and standing up for the middle class is far better than turning back the clock to the failed Bush policies of the past."
The Red to Blue program offers candidates financial, communications, grassroots, and strategic support.
Democrats have been targeting Lungren since he won his last race with less than 50 percent of the vote.
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