Congressional District 10 was once considered so unwinnable for Democrats that none even bothered to file for the seat in 2002. It’s a different story today: Earlier this year, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee put Larry Joe Doherty’s challenge to incumbent Republican Michael McCaul on its “Emerging Races” list, and today, the DCCC upgraded Doherty to its “Red to Blue Program.”
The key difference is that the Emerging Races merely draws attention to a campaign, while the Red to Blue provides actual financial, communications, and strategic support.
“Larry Joe Doherty is running a solid campaign and is committed to making things easier for middle class families in their districts,” said DCCC Chairman Rep. Chris Van Hollen. “With less than 21 days to make his case for change to voters, the Red to Blue program will give Larry Joe the financial and structural edge to be even more competitive in November.”
The DCCC says its Red to Blue was key to the 2006 Democratic takeover of Congress, raising nearly $22.6 million for 56 campaigns.
Doherty is the first serious challenger McCaul has had in the seat, both in terms of financial and political savvy. The Houston trial lawyer and former television personality kick-started his campaign with $100,000 of his own money last year, and since then has kept pace with McCaul in fundraising.
This article appears in October 10 • 2008.