DCCC adds Titus to ‘Red to Blue’ program, puts Derby on ‘emerging races’ list

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee today officially added state Sen. Dina Titus (D-Las Vegas) to its "Red to Blue" program and tapped former Nevada Democratic Party Chairwoman Jill Derby for its list of "emerging races."

The "Red to Blue" program is designed to target vulnerable Republican incumbents by raising money for qualified Democratic challengers. In 2006, the program raised nearly $22.6 million, with an average of $404,000 given to each participating candidate.

"The candidates for change being named to the DCCC Red to Blue program are running strong campaigns and are committed to making things easier for middle class families in their districts," said U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chairman of the DCCC. "With less than five months to make their case for change to voters in their districts, the Red to Blue program will give these candidates the financial and structural edge to be even more competitive in November."

National Democrats have already shown their support for Titus. Van Hollen made a campaign appearance with her in Nevada in late May.

Titus is challenging U.S. Rep. Jon Porter in the 3rd Congressional District - a race that is viewed as one of Democrats' best hopes to pick up another Republican seat in the house.

Derby, who is challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Dean Heller, will not get the same financial support, but her race was noted by the DCCC as one in which "candidates have generated excitement in their districts for their campaigns for change."