GOP Freshmen to Score NRCC’s Patriot Cash
The National Republican Congressional Committee will raise $1.5 million for 10 endangered incumbents at a fundraiser hosted by GOP leadership today.
The event, hosted by the entire roster of House GOP leaders, will raise funds for Members recently named to the NRCC’s Patriot program. The incumbent retention initiative began in 2009 and this cycle’s effort got under way earlier this month, when the NRCC named the first 10 participants.
There are eight GOP freshmen who were named to the program and will reap the financial benefits from today’s fundraiser. They are: Reps. Allen West (Fla.), Sean Duffy (Wis.), Patrick Meehan (Pa.), Lou Barletta (Pa.), Mike Fitzpatrick (Pa.), Frank Guinta (N.H.), Francisco “Quico” Canseco (Texas) and Joe Heck (Nev.). Also named to the program were Rep. Charles Bass, who won back his New Hampshire seat in 2010 after losing in 2006, and Rep. Tom Latham, whose district was lumped in with a Democratic Member in the redistricting process because Iowa is losing a seat.
“These ten Patriots have [proved] their leadership and commitment to building strong, effective campaigns based on rigorous goals for victory,” NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (Texas) said in a statement. “With the strong support of House Republican leadership, Patriot Day provides these Republican Members with the resources they need to stay on offense to defeat Democrats and strengthen the Republican Majority in 2012.”
Republicans have 240 Members to defend in next year’s elections, including 87 freshmen. The NRCC is expected to name more incumbents to the Patriot program later this year as they defend seats in swing districts.
Rep. Greg Walden (Ore.), the NRCC’s deputy chairman, said the party is “committed to staying on offense and solidifying our Majority” next year.
“Patriot Day helps make sure these 10 Members have the resources they need to win so that the Republican Majority can continue to focus on the priorities that resonate with the American people: creating jobs, cutting spending, and reducing debt,” Walden said in a statement.
