High school teacher Larry Kissell (D), who again is challenging Rep. Robin Hayes (R) this cycle, was named to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s “Red to Blue” program last week.

DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen (Md.) is scheduled to campaign with Kissell this week. Van Hollen also will headline a Kissell fundraiser in Raleigh tomorrow.

With scant party support, Kissell finished just 330 votes behind Hayes in 2006 and is hoping the help from the national party will make up the difference this year.
— Matthew Murray