From the DCCC Press:
Following her victory in the Democratic Primary in New York’s 26th Congressional District, Alice Kryzan has immediately been added to the DCCC’s Red to Blue program for open seats. Alice Kryzan earned a spot in the competitive program by establishing significant local support and skillfully showing New York’s voters that she stands for change and will represent new priorities.
“Congratulations to Alice Kryzan on her primary victory,” said DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen. “Alice Kryzan is a strong leader who will fight to make college and health care more affordable, and lower gas prices. Alice Kryzan will be a formidable candidate in the general election. With 55 days left to make her case to the voters of the 26th district, the Red to Blue program will give Alice the financial and structural edge to be even more competitive.”
The DCCC has also released a viability memo on this race, indicating that they still consider this one very much on the big board of opportunities. I wonder if EMILY’s List will decide to make a bit of penance for its embarrassing support of Nikki Tinker against Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen earlier this summer by throwing their fundraising support to Kryzan. Might be a good idea for them.
Many have asked if Jon Powers can remove himself from the Working Families line on the November ballot. The short answer? He can’t. But if he endorses and campaigns for Kryzan, his votes should be minimal.
SSP currently rates this race as Lean Republican.
to think about this, I’m starting to think we might actually be best off with Kryzan as the nominee, so that we’re going into the general election with essentially a blank slate, instead of a shit-splattered candidate for whom many voters “Jon Powers” = “that guy who bilks poor Iraqi kids” (regardless of the fact that the fault for that perception lies with Jack Davis, not Powers). Powers’ advantages in money and endorsements might not have been able to fix the damage to his brand. At least that’s my way of rationalizing things.
Jack Davis’ attack on Jon Powers was reminiscent of Leslie Byrne’s attack on Gerry Connolly in Virginia. Only that attack was launched from the left by Byrne and her cohorts – mostly liberal bloggers and Emily’s list. Thank God Jerry survived the primary and hopefully will win VA-11 in November.
The DCCC needs to use a good amount of the areas ad buy on this race and Kryzan has to improve as a candidate but I still think this is a top opportunity.
Until Emily’s list explains and compensates for that horrible racist campaign they involved themselves in Tennessee, I will send them no money and probably will not support many of their pet candidates….this might be a first step in atoning for their embarrassing lapse of judgement.