Essential Estrogen

One of Iowa's congressmen is continuing to raise eyebrows in Washington. Bruce Braley, a Democrat elected in 2006 to represent the 1st District, was recently named as one of three chairpersons to lead the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's Red to Blue Program for the 2008 cycle.

Braley will co-chair the program with Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Arthur Davis of Alabama. The appointment marks only the second time a freshman member of Congress has been invited to serve on the board. Schultz, who was elected to Congress in 2004, was the first freshman member to serve in this capacity.

"Congressman Braley will serve as a mentor to the many Democratic candidates nationwide who are running for Congress to change the direction of our country," said Carrie James, Northeast Regional Press Secretary for the DCCC. "As a former member of Red to Blue, he brings firsthand knowledge that will serve our candidates well this cycle."

Chairman Chris Van Hollen selected Braley because he is a "well-respected leader" in the freshman class who has "proved he knows how to win tough elections" and will "be a helpful resource" to Democratic challengers.

"I think the fact that Congressman Braley was named co-chair of the Red to Blue Program is a reflection of his growing reputation among his colleagues in Congress as an effective legislator and campaigner, especially given that he's the only freshman congressman named to a leadership position at the DCCC," said Jeff Giertz, spokesman for Braley. "Congressman Braley bring experience in close, tough races and brings a familiarity with the Midwest. There are a considerable number of open seats and top races here in the Midwest, and Mr. Braley's understanding of Midwestern politics could be of particular benefit to these candidates."

The Red to Blue Program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, grassroots and strategic support. The effort helped raise over $22.6 million for 56 Democratic candidates last cycle.

The first slate of Red to Blue open seat and special election candidates were recently announced by the DCCC. The targeted candidates are seeking to represent a total of 11 congressional districts located in New Jersey, Ohio, California, Illinois, New York, Wyoming, Indiana and Louisiana.