DCCC Puts Madia On "Red-to-Blue" List

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee placed attorney and Iraq war veteran Ashwin Madia on its “Red to Blue” list helping first-time Democratic candidates with their campaign infrastructure and fundraising.

Madia won the Democratic nomination last Saturday at a nomination convention and will be facing state Rep. Erik Paulsen in the November general election to succeed retiring Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.).

Paulsen has been one of the Republicans’ top fundraisers, raising over $380,000 for two consecutive quarters and banking $688,000 at the end of March.

Madia raised $196,000 in the first fundraising quarter, and now has $190,000 on-hand after a competitive battle for the nomination.

"The Red to Blue Program will give Ashwin the financial and structural edge to be even more competitive this year. Congressman Ramstad’s retirement and Ashwin Madia’s ability to unite Democrats behind his candidacy makes this suburban district a good pick up opportunity for Democrats," DCCC chairman Chris Van Hollen said in a statement.

Since Ramstad's retirement, Democrats have eyed Minnesota's Third District as one of its top targets.  The suburban Minneapolis seat gave President Bush 51 percent of the vote, and has been trending Democratic at the local level over the past two election cycles.