Reply #10: Eyeing ’08, Democrats Nurse Freshmen at Risk

[livvy]

December 22, 2006
Eyeing ’08, Democrats Nurse Freshmen at Risk
By ADAM NAGOURNEY

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 — When newly elected Democratic members of Congress showed up here last month, they were taken on the traditional round of orientation, civic-minded lessons on how Congress works, tours of the Capitol and receptions with their new colleagues and leaders.

But about 12 were singled out for a special type of orientation that has continued through this month.

It is the “incumbent retention program,” a detailed plan worked out after Democrats gained control of Congress to fortify the most politically shaky with plum committee assignments, prized bill sponsorship and an early start on fund-raising — all in preparation for their 2008 re-election campaigns.

Yes, their 2008 re-election campaigns.

The 110th Congress has not even been sworn into office. But in a measure of the determination not to surrender the majority in two years, Representative Nancy Pelosi, the presumptive speaker, has instructed aides to begin acting immediately to help Democrats who won by small margins in districts where President Bush did well in 2004 or who coasted in because their opponents were mired by controversy. Those new members are methodically being given coveted spots on high-profile committees, in particular the Financial Services Committee, a magnet for campaign contributions, and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, a platform from which to send money for projects back home.

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http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/22/us/politics/22protect...