The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is adding Rep. Bill Owens, the newly elected congressman from New York’s traditionally Republican 23rd District, to its Frontline Program for vulnerable incumbents.

Owens is the 43rd Democratic member added to the program, which is designed to bolster fundraising and outreach and force incumbents to prepare early on for competitive contests.

The longtime attorney and first-time candidate won a tempestuous special election in the upstate district Nov. 4 to succeed Republican Rep. John M. McHugh, and has had a target on his back ever since. Hours after he was sworn in, the National Republican Congressional Committee pounced on his decision to vote for the Democrats’ health care overhaul legislation.