Democratic Recruits Learning Rapid-response In DCCC Seminar

Several of the Democrats’ leading House recruits are in Washington today for a DCCC-hosted program focused on teaching candidates how to best respond to attacks from third-party conservative groups.

Among those candidates in attendance are: Dan Seals, the nominee against Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.); Darcy Burner, the likely nominee against Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Wash.); Betsy Markey, running against Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-Colo.), and Jim Himes, running against Rep. Chris Shays (R-Conn.).

The concern over third-party groups has been a nagging concern among Democratic leadership, even as the party faces a favorable political landscape over the GOP and holds a huge advantage over the NRCC in fundraising.

DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) wrote a memo to House Democrats last December urging the party against complacency because of the presence of well-funded 527 groups that can aid Republican candidates, despite the DCCC’s significant financial advantage over their Republican counterpart.

He singled out Freedom’s Watch, which poured in over $100,000 against the Democrats’ candidate in a contested Ohio special election.

His warning appears to have taken form with this program, which also is helping candidates implement field strategies, set up grassroots organization and reach out to reporters.