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House Democrats Promote Alex Sink to Jumpstart Program

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has named former Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink to its Jumpstart program for top recruits. It’s yet another sign House Democrats have given the former gubernatorial nominee their seal of approval for the upcoming special election in Florida’s 13th District.

“In the first few days since she launched her campaign, Alex Sink is again demonstrating what the people of Florida know — she is results-oriented, and her approach to solving problems would help get Washington focused on the right priorities, like creating good jobs,” DCCC Chairman Steve Israel said in a statement.

The Jumpstart program provides specific candidates with “early financial communications, operational and strategic support,” according to the committee. In the past, the DCCC announced batches of candidates to the program at a time.

But this singular announcement also shows the DCCC prefers Sink as a candidate over another Democrat in the race, attorney Jessica Ehrlich.

Sink announced her candidacy on Wednesday. Ehrlich has been running for the seat since the spring, and she sought the seat in 2012 against Young as well.

Last week, the DCCC telegraphed the committee was firmly behind Sink, and EMILY’s List

, and EMILY’s List switched its support from Ehrlich to Sink as well.

This race is rated a Tossup by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call, and both parties anticipate a highly competitive contest. But the GOP field is currently in flux.

Over the past several days, two high-profile Republicans pulled their names from the field, according to the The Tampa Bay Times: former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker  and Young’s son,

  and Young’s son, Bill Young II. But Young’s widow, Beverly Young,

. But Young’s widow, Beverly Young, endorsed lobbyist David Jolly over the weekend, also per the local report. Republican consultant Nick Zoller

lobbyist David Jolly over the weekend, also per the local report. Republican consultant Nick Zoller is also running.

The special election is scheduled for March 11. The primary will be Jan. 14.

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