NRCC putting Demmer's seat "in play."

September 16, 2010

The National Republican Congressional Committee announced today that it’s put Republican Randy Demmer in the top tier of “Young Gun status.” Demmer is challenging DFL Rep. Tim Walz in Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District.

“Randy Demmer has proven that he’s ready to take on incumbent Tim Walz, an out-of-touch Democrat who has blindly supported his party’s failed agenda of job-killing policies and reckless spending,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). “Randy’s campaign is a symbol of the growing momentum behind Republican candidates in Minnesota and across the country. As Democrats and their party bosses continue to force their big-government, big-spending policies onto the backs of hard-working families, Republicans like Randy Demmer will continue to present a clear alternative to a Democrat majority that unapologetically spends too much, borrows too much and taxes too much.”
Demmer’s promotion to the top level of “Young Gun status” is a signal that the NRCC is keeping an eye on Minnesota’s 1st. But it’s not a solid guarantee that it will deliver national party money on Demmer’s behalf. When asked to explain what this promotion meant in real terms, NRCC spokesman Tom Erickson replied:

“It’s our policy not to comment on specific strategy, but it means that this seat is most certainly “in play” as voters in southern Minnesota have grow tired of Congressman Walz’s support for a reckless agenda that has driven our economy off a cliff.”
For a closer look at the race in Minnesota’s 1st, check out this story from MPR’s Mark Zdechlik.

Update: Here’s a response from Walz campaign spokeswoman Sara Severs:

“Representative Demmer may be a “young gun”, but he can’t shoot straight. He’s a typical, career politician whose record proves he has no new ideas, only the same failed policies of the past. There is a clear choice in this campaign and we’re confident southern Minnesota voters will recognize his pitiful record for what it is.”
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