|
Earlier I reported that Jon Powers has been named to the DCCC's Red to Blue program. This is big news. Red to Blue is a great program pushed by the DCCC and supports outstanding candidates in districts held by Republicans or being vacated by Republicans (NY-26 is an open seat, as is NY-25). Powers becomes the fourth Democratic candidate in New York to be added to Red to Blue, joining Dan Maffei (NY-25), Eric Massa (NY-29) and Mike McMahon (NY-13).
This is what the Powers campaign sent out regarding this recognition:
Jon Powers, Iraq War Veteran, former captain in the U.S. Army and the endorsed Democratic candidate in New York's 26th congressional district, has been named to the Democratic National Campaign Committee's Red-to-Blue program.
"This is a huge advantage for our campaign," Powers said. "From the beginning, our campaign has focused on bringing the voice of Western New Yorkers back to Washington. Today we are receiving recognition that our message is resonating on a national level."
The DCCC Red-to-Blue program spotlights campaigns across the country that stand for change and will represent new priorities when elected to Congress. The program provides financial and strategic support to races that have surpassed fundraising and voter outreach expectations.
What does this mean for Powers and his campaign going forward? A few things:
(1) Money. The Red-to-Blue distinction will persuade donors who might have been apprehensive to give at first to contribute to the Powers campaign. (You can do your part by giving to the Powers campaign by visiting Powers' ActBlue page.)
(2) Legitimacy. The Red-to-Blue program includes a lot of big-name campaigns, including Maffei and Massa here in New York. Powers being added to this group means a lot to his campaign, especially since at first the DCCC wasn't going to get involved in this race.
(3) True front-runner status. If there was any doubt who the front-runner is, that went out the window today. Powers has had his critics locally and hopefully the recognition from the DCCC will change the minds of those critics.
Also, the following unions endorsed Powers today:
· Western New York Council of the Communications Workers of America
· Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 22
· National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 3
· UNITE-HERE, Rochester Regional Joint Board
Great news all around today for Powers.
|
