Illinois’ 8th Congressional District On DCCC’s Red-to-Blue List

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced today that the 8th District of Illinois has earned a spot in their highly competitive Red-to-Blue program. The program targets races throughout the country in which Democratic candidates or districts demonstrate the necessary strength and viability to take back Republican-held seats. This is the first Red-to-Blue announcement this cycle.

Duckworth is the only candidate in the 8th District to meet the Red-to-Blue requirements and continues to gain support. At a press event yesterday, House Leader Nancy Pelosi singled out Duckworth as one of the best hopes for taking back a GOP seat, calling her story “very compelling” and promising “she’ll be here” in Congress next year.

Upon hearing the announcement, Duckworth stated “This announcement shows that our campaign has the financial, strategic and grassroots strength to take back the seat from Joe Walsh. We are offering 8th District residents an alternative to the screaming and extreme ideology of the Tea Party, and we are going to win.”