The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) announced its ‘Frontline Program’ but skipped over Pennsylvania Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-Lackawanna).
Cartwright is the only Pennsylvania Congressman targeted by the National Republican Campaign Committee (NRCC).
“Each of these Democrats knows how to win tough races — proven by their success in a difficult national environment in 2016,” DCCC Chairman Ben Ray Luján said in a statement announcing the list.
President Trump won Cartwright’s district by 10.7 points, while Cartwright won by 7.6 points. According to Decision Desk, Cartwright outperformed Clinton by double digits.
Party committees put out these lists to signal to donors, and independent expenditure groups where their top priorities are for the cycle.
PoliticsPA has reached out to the DCCC for comment, as well as to Cartwright.
The decision by the DCCC to keep Cartwright off the list could be because he has proven himself a capable fundraiser. According to Opensecrets, he outraised his previous opponent $836,460 to $31,056. The DCCC could also view Cartwright’s seat as a secure seat currently, and the incumbents named are in greater need of the support. The DCCC could alway add him to the list if the situation in the district changes from its perspective.
The NRCC jumped on the opportunity and promised a competitive race next year.
“The NRCC is already working to recruit a viable candidate to run in Pennsylvania’s 17th District. Unlike in past elections, Matt Cartwright will not have the luxury of relying on an underfunded opponent without a sound campaign infrastructure to help him skate to re-election,” NRCC spokesman Chris Pack said.
5 Responses
Who do we have to run against Kelly in Pa.3
We need a candidate to take back this seat.
Why do you always express your articles about Congressman Cartwright in a negative frame of reference.Give the guy some respect.
Sonny– I do know there is someone who already filed paperwork to run against Rothfus. Whether he will receive the party’s backing, I don’t know. I also have heard Erin McClelland may run for a third time.
Um…. the headline is “The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) announced its ‘Frontline Program’”
But, there is NO LIST in the article, which is really: “Cartwright not in frontline program”.
Please list who IS in the frontline program.
The DCCC has to find a warm pulse to oppose Rothfus – arguably the worst congressman in the country.