Lampson Dubs His Race Most Competitive in U.S.
Rep. Nick Lampson (D) has declared his 2008 22nd district re-election bid the most competitive House race in America — and he wants your money to fend off attacks from Republican leaders who have launched “dishonest attacks against me and lie about my record.”
Lampson, who represents the solid Republican, suburban Houston district formerly held by Rep. Tom DeLay (R), is girding for a tough re-election battle in a district Republicans are open about targeting.
The Democrat had reported $441,000 in cash on hand at the close of the second quarter. In a e-mail appeal Lampson recently sent to supporters just before the close of the Sept. 30 reporting period, he asked them to help him raise the money he’ll need hold his seat for another term.
“As we move forward, our campaign will once again be printing yard signs and brochures, renting office space, and buying TV and radio ads,” Lampson wrote. “These resources to share our message are very costly, and that’s why I hope you’ll be a part of this effort.”
Already gunning for Lampson, or considering a run at the Republican nomination, are 2006 GOP primary candidate Tom Campbell, former Sugar Land Mayor Dean Hrbacek, Pasadena Mayor John Manlove, Pete Olson, who recently resigned as Sen. John Cornyn’s (R) chief of staff and also worked for former Sen. Phil Gramm (R), former Rep. Shelley Sekula Gibbs, district Judge James Squier, defense policy researcher Alan Steinberg and state Rep. Robert Talton.
— David M. Drucker