From the Stakeholder:
The DCCC announced today that Jon Powers (NY-26) will immediately be added to the Red to Blue program for open seats. Democratic congressional candidates running in open seats earned a spot in the competitive program by establishing significant local support, surpassing demanding fundraising goals and by skillfully showing voters that they stand for change and will represent new priorities. Powers is one of only 18 candidates in the Red to Blue program for open seats.
“Jon Powers has assembled a strong and dynamic campaign with strong grassroots support, local labor leaders, and all seven Democratic committees,” said Chairman Chris Van Hollen. “Jon Powers will bring the leadership skills he used in Iraq to the issues facing western New York – bringing good paying jobs to the district and fighting to reduce gas prices for middle class families. The Red to Blue Program will give Jon the financial and structural edge to be even more competitive.”
This is a big boost for Jon Powers, who was at risk of getting swamped out by multi-millionaire industrialist Jack Davis after the Supreme Court exercised its famous judicial activism and struck down the Millionaire’s Amendment last week. Powers also faces attorney Alice Kryzan and Eric County Legislator Kathy Konst in the Democratic primary, but Powers is has been gobbling up all the major endorsements, including ones from the NY AFL-CIO and all the county Democratic committees in the district.
This move is both a sign of affirmation for Powers and a stamp of non-confidence in Davis, whose bumbling 2006 campaign snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against a badly wounded Tom Reynolds.
UPDATE: Konst is dropping out and running for the state Senate against incumbent GOP Sen. Dale M. Volker instead. Great news. (H/T: Jonah)
via The Albany Project
I like it when the DCCC gets involved in primaries to support the candidate I like. I don’t like it when the DCCC gets involved in primaries to support the candidate I don’t like. You got that, Van Hollen?
Unfortunately, it wasn’t spelled out what Red to Blue will do for Jon Powers during his primary race.
Mega-rich Davis (NY-26: Davis Owns Up To $35 Million In Oil/Gas Stocks) could easily outspend Powers’ portion of Red to Blue if he so chose. And I doubt he undertook his winning Supreme Court case Davis v. FEC just for fun.
Chris Van Hollen should try to see what Davis would want to end his bid (if that’s possible). I hope at least Davis doesn’t go swift-boat negative against Powers…
With or without cash, the DCCC put a lot of chips down on Powers. They must have an idea that he is the likely nominee.
So far I think we’re all commenting on speculation on Konst switching races. Just as the rumors of her floating with the republican crew. She won in a heavily republican area because she stood up against Len Lenihan (chair of the Erie County Democratic party). But, that doesn’t mean she’s a republican.
Also, there was word that the DNC would not take sides in the primary. So, perhaps Konst sees with the new Millionaire decision Davis has a huge advantage in fundraising (especially since she joined the race late) that she can’t catch up to in time. Also, since Lenihan and Konst are not buddies, I’m sure he’s threatened every Democratic staff member to stay away from her campaign- despite how popular she truly is with Dems.
Maybe a race for Senate is the smartest step? She’s got a great chance- and would’ve had a better chance for Congress if she’d stepped in earlier. It’s a shame, she’s one of the few leaders in the area who seems to not care about party lines or selling out. Lets see
NY Capitol News
“Konst is the most surprising move of the Golisano involvement, given her May announcement that she was seeking the congressional seat being vacated by Rep. Tom Reynolds (R-Erie). Golisano offered his support if she switched to the Senate race in a meeting last week. Konst, who according to sources was floundering in her bid to secure petition signatures for her late start congressional bid and was circulating Senate petitions at the same time, began telling people over the weekend that she had made the change.
According to former East Aurora Mayor Dave DiPietro (R), who is running a primary challenge to Volker, Konst’s husband, politically active attorney Harry Konst, told him last week that Golisano promised $1 million to support his wife’s Senate bid.”
i’ve liked every decision the dccc has made this year. it’s an interesting test of how powerful money is in a congressional district primary race. bloomberg, dayton, corzine and hagel were able to buy seats by spending huge amounts of personal money in huge markets that the other candidates couldn’t match.
a congressional seat primary is a much smaller group of voters – for an august 26th primary, it’s a tiny group. so if you spend $2 M, you’re either sending the same people (most of whom have already decided who they’re vfoting for by the 4th mailing) 20 mailings or you’re paying for tv and radio time that’s going to people who can’t vote in your district.
i assume that the one who wins the race is the one who will be able to reach the most people and drag them to the polls on election day. that means local party organizations, which powers has a monopoly on, and the national party organization, which he now has behind him.
Powers will have the money to compete, but i believe money just means a lot less with a very small group to reach. More Powers to ya!