The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee made electing 2nd Congressional District Democratic candidate Harry Teague a top priority last week.
In adding Teague to its “Red to Blue” program, the fundraising arm of House Democrats ensured that an already hot race between Teague and Republican Ed Tinsley will become even hotter. In 2004, the program raised nearly $7.5 million for 27 campaigns across the nation — an average of more than $250,000 per campaign. In 2006, the program raised nearly $22.6 million for 56 campaigns.
“The Red to Blue Program will give Harry’s campaign for change the financial and structural edge to be even more competitive,” U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman said in a release from the Teague campaign.
The Cook Political Report recently changed its analysis of the 2nd District race from “likely Republican” to “lean Republican” — a ranking still favorable to Tinsley but not as certain. Teague was one of 14 candidates the DCCC added to the program last week.
The DCCC had already placed 12 candidates, including 1st District Democratic candidate Martin Heinrich, on its “Red to Blue” list.