Erskine Bowles

NC-Sen (Map)

Open seat; 1998: Edwards (D) def. Faircloth® 51-47%; 2000: Bush def. Gore 56-43%; Cook rating: Toss up; Latest Poll: Bowles leads Burr 45-35% (5/17)
Fighting for the seat being vacated by John Edwards is Erskine Bowles, former White House Chief of Staff and strong ally of NDN’s. Though he fell short against Liddy Dole in 2002, this time Erskine has more experience under his belt and a much weaker opponent, Rep. Richard Burr. Bowles is running a vigorous campaign, outpacing Burr in money last quarter and recently increasing his lead in the polls to 45%-35%.
Important Press:

Bowles is first in TV ad campaign

Edwards praises Bowles during campaign stop

Bowles ahead of Burr 45%-35%

Raised on this page: 3 175
Raised across ActBlue: 993 25,544

Brad Carson

OK-Sen (Map)

Open Seat; 1998: Nickles® def. Carroll (D) 66-31%; 2000: Bush def. Gore 60-38%; Cook rating: Toss up; Latest Poll: Carson leads Coburn 37-35% (4/5/04)
The retirement of Sen. Don Nickles gives Carson, a former Rhodes Scholar who came to Congress at age 33, an opportunity to take a big step in his remarkable career. In just two terms in Congress, Rep. Brad Carson has emerged as a rising star in the Democratic Party and true New Democrat. Though Oklahoma is a solid red state in the presidential, Democrats maintain a 17 point edge in voter registration and Carson leads in many early polls. The Republicans are struggling with a bitter late summer primary that will likely produce a far-right maverick, Tom Coburn.
View Brad Carson’s remarks at NDN’s 2004 Annual Meeting.
Important press:

Carson’s ‘Defend our Defenders’ plan aims to help reservists and guardsmen

Raised on this page: 2 125
Raised across ActBlue: 1,327 49,104

Tony Knowles

AK-Sen (Map)

Challenging Sen. Lisa Murkowski; 1998: Frank Murkowski® def. Sonneman (D) 74-20%; 2000: Bush def. Gore 59-28%; Cook rating: Toss up; Latest poll: 46%-41% (6/3)
Knowles, a popular and effective former two-term governor, provides Democrats with a real opportunity to gain a Senate seat in a tough red state. Sen. Lisa Murkowski has drawn a serious primary challenger, further complicating her already struggling effort following her controversial appointment to the Senate by her father, Gov. Frank Murkowski, in 2003. Current polling has this race as a dead heat and it will most likely remain close until November.
Listen to Governor Knowles address the Alaska Democratic Party Convention
Important press:
Knowles condemns NRSC ad.

Raised on this page: 2 125
Raised across ActBlue: 1,059 35,645

Ken Salazar

CO-Sen (Map)

Open Seat; 1998: Campbell® def. Lamm (D) 62-35%;2000: Bush def. Gore 51-42%; Cook rating: Toss up; Latest poll: Salazar leads Coors 52-41% (5/1/04)
Our highest Congressional priority this year is Attorney General Ken Salazar, a long time friend of NDN and the favorite to win this open seat. Salazar won 60 of 64 Colorado counties in his 2002 re-election bid and has a perfect profile for a statewide run. He comes from a rural, conservative region, has a consistent centrist record, and can appeal to the 20% of voters who are Hispanic. Salazar will face the winner of a GOP primary pitting brewery magnate Pete Coors against conservative ex-Rep. Bob Schaffer.
Read NDN’s full recommendation on this race.
View Ken Salazar’s remarks at NDN’s 2004 Annual Meeting.
Important Press:

Raised on this page: 2 125
Raised across ActBlue: 1,096 31,957

Tom Daschle

SD-Sen (Map)

Incumbent; 1998: Daschle (D) def. Schmidt® 62-36%; 2000: Bush def. Gore 60-38%; Cook rating: Toss up; Latest poll: Daschle leads Thune 52-39 (5/20)
Senator Daschle faces a serious challenge this year from ex-Rep. John Thune, who narrowly lost to Sen. Tim Johnson (D) in 2002. Daschle has been popular and effective as Senate Minority Leader and Republicans are determined to take him out this year. Both parties will commit considerable money and resources to what promises to be a close race. This one is simply a must for all NDNers. Polling from late March gives Daschle a 52%-39%.
Important press:

South Dakota Senate campaign prepares for takeoff

Raised on this page: 1 25
Raised across ActBlue: 1,026 24,153

Blanche Lincoln

AR-Sen (Map)

Incumbent; 1998: Lincoln (D) def. Boozman® 55-42%; 2000: Bush def. Gore 51-46%; Cook rating: Solid Democrat; No recent polling
Senator Lincoln, once considered a highly vulnerable incumbent, has enjoyed a string of recent successes and subsequently scared off all potential big name challengers. Lincoln’s moderate message, engaging personality, and keen political sense have made her a star nationally as well as in Arkansas. Though she is in good position to win re-election, Arkansas remains a conservative leaning state, particularly in a presidential year. Lincoln must maintain strong fundraising and a well run campaign to maintain her popularity and insure a return to Washington.

Raised on this page: 1 25
Raised across ActBlue: 1 25

Don Barbieri

WA-05 (Map)

Open seat; 2002: Nethercutt® def. Haggin (D) 63-32%; 2000: Bush def. Gore 56-40%; Cook rating: Leans Republican; No polling data available
This is an open seat due to Rep. George Nethercutt’s run for the Senate. Don Barbieri, a local business leader and civic activist, entered the race last fall and quickly cleared the Democratic field. The former CEO of West Coast Hospitality speaks from experience on job creation, affordable health care, and fiscal responsibility. Barbieri was appointed to State Economic Development positions under three governors.
Important press:

Democrat a real threat to retake House seat

Raised on this page: 3 55
Raised across ActBlue: 39 1,103

Dan Boren

OK-02 (Map)

Open seat; 2002: Carson (D) def. Pharaoh® 74-26%; 2000: Bush def. Gore 52-47%; Cook rating: Solid Democrat; Latest polling: Boren (D) leads Free (D) 40-12% (1/12/04)
Brad Carson’s Senate run created an open seat in this rural, largely Democratic district. State Rep. Dan Boren defeated an eight-year incumbent in 2002 and at age 30 is part of a new generation of Oklahoma Democrats. He has high name recognition across the state, due in part to his father, former Gov. and Sen. David Boren. Boren, whose background includes work in both business and public interest, is stressing job creation and has the backing of the local Chamber of Commerce. The most recent polling has Boren holding a 40%-12% over his nearest primary opponent. He has raised over $600k and has an impressive organization that will win this race.
Important press:

State Treasurer endorses Boren

Raised on this page: 1 10
Raised across ActBlue: 1 10

Nick Clooney

KY-04 (Map)

Open seat; 2002: Lucas (D) def. Davis® 51-48%; 2000: Bush def. Gore 61-37%; Cook rating: Toss up; Latest polling: Clooney leads Davis 52-36% (3/5/04)
Clooney is running for the open seat created by the retirement of Rep. Ken Lucas (D). Clooney, a former Cincinnati television anchorman and Kentucky Post columnist, is well known across the district and has produced impressive fundraising numbers. The strength of his candidacy has tempered GOP confidence about taking this district, which Bush carried with 61% in 2000. Clooney is the right candidate to keep this district in Democratic hands and he will be an independent, effective member of Congress.
Important press:

Clooney kicks off campaign

Raised on this page: 2 40
Raised across ActBlue: 26 1,927

Joe Driscoll

PA-15 (Map)

Open seat; 2002: Toomey® def. O’Brien (D) 57-43%; 2000: Gore def. Bush 49-48%; Cook rating: Leans Republican; No polling data available
Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley is a true swing district that narrowly voted for Al Gore in 2000. Joe Driscoll is running for this open seat with a centrist, pro-business ideology that fits the district far better than the staunch conservatism of outgoing Rep. Pat Toomey. Driscoll has worked in real estate re-development in the area for nearly a decade and understands the job creation needs of the district. He is young, smart, and personable and is determined to run a campaign that speaks directly to independent, middle class voters. Driscoll’s opponent, Charlie Dent, is a moderate Republican who is well known in the district. Pennsylvania will receive considerable attention from the presidential campaigns and this swing district will be a critical battleground.
Important press:

Hoyer campaigns for Driscoll; Driscoll discusses Medicare

Raised on this page: 5 205
Raised across ActBlue: 34 985

Tom Gallagher

NV-03 (Map)

Challenging Rep. John Porter®; 2002: Porter® def. Herrera (D) 56-37%; 2000: Gore def. Bush 49-48%; Cook rating: Leans Republican; Latest polling: Porter® leads Gallager (D) 61-25% (3/17/04)
This new district was drawn after the 2000 census to have almost the exact same number of Democrats and Republicans. In Tom Gallagher, Democrats have an ideal challenger with extensive experience both business and politics. Gallagher entered the race in mid-March but quickly closed the gap in fundraising and is putting together an impressive campaign. This race provides an excellent opportunity to defeat an incumbent Republican.
Important press:

Upping the ante in Nevada’s 3rd district

Raised on this page: 3 55
Raised across ActBlue: 430 11,393

Jon Jennings

IN-08 (Map)

Challenging Rep. John Hostetler®; 2002: Hostetler® def. Hartke (D) 51-46%; 2000: Bush def. Gore 56-42%; Cook rating: Leans Republican; No polling data available

Jennings is one of the Democrats’ best chances to knock off an incumbent this year. He is taking on extremely conservative Rep. John Hostetler in a notoriously competitive district that became majority Democratic after redistricting. Jennings worked as a scout and assistant coach for the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics before moving to the public sector as a White House Fellow in the Clinton Administration. Jennings’ profile and politics fit the district far better than those of Hostetler and we expect him to defeat the incumbent.

Raised on this page: 3 60
Raised across ActBlue: 23 611

Ben Chandler

KY-06 (Map)

Incumbent; 2004 special election: Chandler (D) def. Kerr® 55-43%; 2000: Bush def. Gore 55-42%; Cook rating: Leans Democrat; No polling data available

With your help, Ben Chandler defeated Alice Forgy Kerr in a February special election and is now serving in Congress. Chandler is preparing to face another tough challenge in a district that Bush will win by a comfortable margin. He can solidify his hold on this seat with another strong showing in the fall.

Raised on this page: 1 25
Raised across ActBlue: 2 30

Artur Davis

AL-07 (Map)

Incumbent; 2004 primary: Davis (D) def. Turner (D) 8-12%; 2000: Gore def. Bush 66-33%; Cook rating: Solid Democrat.
Artur Davis turned back a potentially serious challenger and easily won his June 1st primary. He is now a heavy favorite to return to the House for a second term. Davis is a great example of the innovative new leaders that NDN supports and we view him as a rising star in our party. We expect him to continue to raise his profile in the coming years and become an important leader in the party.
Important press:

Davis posts decisive primary win

Raised on this page: 1 10
Raised across ActBlue: 2 110

Stephanie Herseth

SD-01 (Map)

Incumbent; 2004 Special: Herseth (D) def. Diedrich® 51-49%; 2002: Bush def. Gore 60-38%; Cook rating: Toss up.
Congratulations to Stephanie Herseth on her victory in the June 1st special election for South Dakota’s only House seat. Herseth is now gearing up for a tough rematch against Larry Diedrich in November. Republicans will make this race a top priority once again. Given the narrow margin of the special election and the GOP’s 11 point registration edge, Herseth will need to maintain her excellent campaign in order to hold the seat. This race remains a top priority for NDN and its members.
Read NDN’s full recommendation on this race.
View Stephanie Herseth’s remarks at NDN’s 2004 Annual Meeting.
Important Press:

Herseth defeats Diedrich in special election

Raised on this page: 5 2,110
Raised across ActBlue: 54 2,927

Baron Hill

IN-09 (Map)

Incumbent; 2002 primary: Davis (D) def. Hilliard (D) 56-44%; 2000: Gore def. Bush 66-33%; Cook rating: Solid Democrat; Latest polling: 58%-30% (6/9)
Republicans are targeting Baron Hill, who is again being challenged by trucking company owner Mike Sodrel®. This largely rural district, which also extends into Republican suburbs of Louisville and Cincinnati, will vote heavily for Bush. Hill defeated Sodrel by fewer than 10,000 votes in 2002. Baron Hill is a leader in the New Democrat Coalition and an advocate for fiscal sanity and pro-growth policy.
Important press:

Hill bravely stands for fiscal responsibility

Raised on this page: 2 40
Raised across ActBlue: 2 40

Darlene Hooley

OR-05 (Map)

Incumbent; 2002: Hooley (D) def. Boquist® 55-45%; 2000: Bush def. Gore 48-47%; Cook rating: Leans Democrat; No polling data available.
Darlene Hooley represents a swing district in a swing state and is a top target for Republicans this year. Though the district has been tending slightly more conservative recently, Hooley will face Republican Jim Zupancic, who emerged from a bitter May primary. Hooley sits on the Executive Council of the New Democrat Coalition and is a key leader on the Financial Services Committee.
Important press:

Field is set in Oregon’s fifth district

Raised on this page: 1 10
Raised across ActBlue: 9 150

Jim Matheson

UT-02 (Map)

Incumbent; 2002: Matheson (D) def. Swallow® 49-49%; 2000: Bush def. Gore 67-31%; Cook rating: Toss up; Latest polling: Matheson (D) leads Swallow® 55-29% (5/13)
If recent polling is any indication, Jim Matheson is well positioned to win another term in this heavily Republican district. The GOP is anxious to oust Matheson and retake a district that Bush won by 24 points. Remarkably, current polling gives Matheson a 55%-29% lead over John Swallow, whom Matheson beat by fewer than 1,600 votes in 2002.
Important press:

Heated race in 2nd distrit – again

Raised on this page: 3 60
Raised across ActBlue: 8 125

Dennis Moore

KS-03 (Map)

Incumbent; 2002: Moore (D) def. Taff® 50-47%; 2000: Bush def. Gore 53-42%; Cook rating: Toss up; No polling data available.
Once again this year, Dennis Moore will face the winner of a contentious GOP primary pitting a moderate, Adam Taff, against a far right conservative, Kris Kobach. Moore’s suburban district continues to grow and trend more conservative and the GOP is determined to unseat him. The winner of the August 3rd primary will be battered heading into the general against Moore. The race will surely be decided by a few thousand votes once again.
Important press:

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3 Republicans battle for right to face Moore

Raised on this page: 2 40
Raised across ActBlue: 35 443