RECRUITING WRECKAGE: Jim Graves drops out of MN-06
National Democrats are having a tough go at recruiting this cycle. Minnesota Democrat Jim Graves has announced he’s dropping out of the MN-06 race to “focus on his family and business.”
Right…
But Graves shouldn’t feel too bad, he joins a lonnng list of DCCC recruitment failures already for this cycle.
“As another one of the National Democrats’ top recruits drops out, Nancy Pelosi’s fantasy of Democrats reclaiming the House becomes further out of reach every day.” – Alleigh Marré, NRCC Spokeswoman
What National Democrats have said about their now failed candidate, Jim Graves:
“Graves, who nearly knocked off Bachmann in November, launched his campaign last month and was in Washington last week to meet with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. He released a poll showing him with a slight lead over Bachmann in a 2014 rematch.” – Politico
“DCCC Chairman Steve Israel announced today that businessman Jim Graves…has earned a spot on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s competitive Red-to-Blue program.” – JimGraves.com
“Israel also listed… Jim Graves as a new member of the DCCC’s ‘Emerging Races’ program — the next tier of races that the campaign arm sees as competitive.” – Politico
“In announcing the move on Monday, DCCC Chairman Steve Israel cited an internal poll showing Graves’ trailing Bachmann by 2 percent, 46-48.” – Politics in Minnesota
“In a statement, the DCCC noted that Graves, a hotel CEO, “has surpassed demanding fundraising, organizing, and infrastructure goals and demonstrated to voters that he is a strong leader who will stand up for Minnesota seniors and hardworking middle class families.” – Star Tribune
“‘We are honored to have the support of the DCCC,’ Graves said in a press release. ‘Their decision to target our race confirms what recent polling clearly shows: the voters of Minnesota’s 6th District are eager to elect a businessman who has created thousands of goodpaying private sector jobs and who knows what it will take to get our economy back on track.'” — MPR
And here’s a look at the DCCC’s disastrous recruitment record:
FAIL: OH-07 and OH-16: John Boccieri announced he has no immediate plans to run after being heavily recruited by the DCCC. The DCCC even conducted polling to try and get him in.
FAIL: MN-02: One of Israel most prized recruits, Sona Mehring announced she was dropping out of her race – only three week into her run.
FAIL: IA-03: The much-touted Mike Sherzan dropped out of his race.
FAIL: IA-03: Just two weeks after Sherzan opted out, the Democrats second choice in this district –former State Sen. Staci Appel – did the same thing.
FAIL: CA-21: Last cycle Democrats attempted unsuccessfully to recruit Michael Rubio in CA-21. They tried again this time and instead Rubio opted for a lobbying gig with Chevron.
FAIL: CA-21: After Rubio opted out, Democrats looked to Leticia Perez – who went for a state Senate bid instead, leaving them with no viable candidate in one of their top targets.
FAIL: CA-31: Another real problem for Democrats: Last cycle, they recruited Pete Aguilar here – who went on to loss his primary. Well, what do you know – former Congressman Joe Baca has announced he’s challenging Aguilar in the Democrats No. 1 national target – a major headache for the DCCC.