The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee included Pat Murphy (IA-01) and Jim Mowrer (IA-04) in the latest group of candidates promoted to the highest level of the “Red to Blue” program. (Staci Appel, the Democratic nominee in the open IA-03, was already promoted in the Red to Blue program earlier this year.) Mowrer is running in a tough district for any Democrat but raised more money than incumbent Steve King for the last three quarters. The DCCC had previously named IA-04 as an “emerging race.”
Murphy just won a five-way primary in the Democratic-leaning first district. His opponent will be Rod Blum. Technically, IA-01 isn’t a “Red to Blue” district because it’s not Republican-held now; it’s the open seat Bruce Braley is vacating in order to run for U.S. Senate.
Red to Blue candidates are eligible for the highest level of support from the DCCC, although the committee won’t necessarily spend much money in every named district. Last week the DCCC reserved television air time in IA-03 and IA-04, though ad buys are subject to change. Details are after the jump.
To my knowledge, the DCCC hasn’t reserved any air time in IA-01 media markets. I doubt Murphy will need major independent expenditures to beat Blum. By the way, Murphy’s four rivals in the Democratic primary endorsed him in statements released by the Iowa Democratic Party today. I’ve enclosed that press release below as well.
From Emily Cahn’s May 29 report for Roll Call on DCCC ad buys:
Iowa’s 3rd District: $1.3 million on Des Moines broadcast from Sept. 5 to Oct. 20 in this open-seat race to replace retiring GOP Rep. Tom Latham.
Iowa’s 4th District: $440,000 on Des Moines broadcast and $230,000 on Sioux City broadcast from Oct. 21 to Nov. 4 to play offense against GOP Rep. Steve King.
June 6 press release from Iowa Democratic Party:
RELEASE: First District Candidates Endorse Rep. Pat Murphy in Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids – First district primary candidates State Sen. Swati Dandekar, State Rep. Anesa Kajtazovic, Dave O’Brien and Councilwoman Monica Vernon today endorsed Rep. Pat Murphy as the Democratic nominee for the First Congressional District.
Councilwoman Monica Vernon said, “What an amazing year we all had together, what important issues we discussed. We threw a few arrows here and there, but it is time for unity – you can see the unity in our issues and in what we believe in. All of the first district primary candidates standing alongside me today represent the core beliefs of our party – standing for equality, fighting for the middle class, and creating opportunity for all. We are much stronger when we stand together, and I am proud to be part of this group. I look forward to backing Pat all the way in this campaign.”
Dave O’Brien said, “I am here today to unequivocally support Pat Murphy because I know he will wake up every morning and think, ‘What am I going to do to fight for the working people of this country, this district and people across the state.’ We have to keep this seat in Democratic hands – his opponent comes out of the extreme wing of the Republican Party, which is why we need to elect this capable Democrat who has spent 25 years fighting for working class citizens as our next Congressman.”
Sen. Swati Dandekar said, “It’s time for all of us to stand behind Pat Murphy, and do what is best for our party and our state. This is not going to be an easy election, but what makes our party so unique is that we don’t differ on the issues or the solutions needed to get us there. Along with my fellow candidates, I will do everything possible to ensure that Pat Murphy becomes our next congressman.”
Rep. Anesa Kajtazovic “Democrats always come together on our priorities to make sure that our children are receiving the best education possible and that we are providing quality, affordable health care for all Iowans. Pat’s long record shows that he is a true fighter for working and middle class families, and he has the skills and experience to continue to fight for issues like raising the minimum wage, equal pay for equal work and protecting Social Security and Medicare. I congratulate Pat Murphy on winning the primary, and I look forward to his work as our next congressman.”
Rep. Pat Murphy said, “All of us today are more similar than different because we all have strong democratic values – making sure that our kids get a good education, access to health care, standing up for the rights of workers and fighting for marriage equality. We were all admirable advisories with each other. I commend the four candidates here on their hard work, and I thank you for your endorsement in this campaign.”