The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee wasted little time naming the party’s most recent House addition, Rep. Travis Childers, to its “Frontline” program, which raises money for vulnerable incumbents.

Last month, Childers won a special election runoff race in what was once considered a safely Republican district in northern Mississippi. In that race, Childers beat Southaven Mayor Greg Davis (R) by 8 points, and his victory capped off a string of competitive special election wins for the Democratic Party this spring. Childers’ victory was also the impetus for a major bout of soul-searching among House Republicans who fear that their poor performance in special elections this year is a sign of just how tarnished the Republican brand has become.

Childers will face Davis again in November. After spending more than $1.5 million on Childers’ special election campaign, the DCCC is intent on protecting its investment.

DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen (Md.) said in a statement on Monday that Childers “has hit the ground running to serve the people of North Mississippi concerned about rising gas prices and the struggling economy. … The Frontline Program will give Congressman Childers an added boost so he can continue focusing on the issues his constituents care most about and representing their values in Washington.”

— John McArdle