By Jackie Kucinich, CQ-Roll Call

TheDemocratic Congressional Campaign Committee will announce today theaddition of 11 candidates to its “Red to Blue” program, nearly doublingthe number of eligible contenders.

Party leaders areeager to demonstrate that they are not just playing defense thiselection year, and the Red to Blue program, which largely aims to flipRepublican-held seats into the Democratic column, is a key part of thatstrategy. The DCCC has previously named 15 members of the program,bringing the total so far to 26.

“Thesecandidates being named to our Red to Blue Program are running strongcampaigns and demonstrating their commitment to being independentleaders who will make job creation back home their top priority,” DCCCChairman Chris Van Hollen(Md.) said in a statement. “The Red to Blue Program will give thesestrong candidates the financial and structural edge they need to win inNovember.”

The new candidates are Denny Heck inWashington’s 3rd district, Chad Causey in Arkansas’ 1st district, JoyceElliott in Arkansas’ 2nd district, Trent Van Haaften in Indiana’s 8thdistrict, Mike Oliverio in West Virginia’s 1st district, Manan Trivediin Pennsylvania’s 6th district, Tarryl Clark in Minnesota’s 6thdistrict, Julie Lassa in Wisconsin’s 7th district, Gary McDowell inMichigan’s 1st district, Colleen Hanabusa in Hawaii’s 1st district andTommy Sowers in Missouri’s 8th district.

Seven of the 11 candidates are vying for open seats currently held by Democrats.

Toqualify for the program, candidates must show an ability to surpass“demanding fundraising goals” and demonstrate skill in connecting withvoters. In return, the candidates receive “financial, communications,grassroots, and strategic support,” according to committee officials.

Theadditions to the program come as Democrats prepare to face one of thetoughest election years in recent history, thanks in part to powerfulanti-incumbency feelings among voters.

Democraticfundraiser Michael Fraioli said that despite the environment, it wasimportant to stay on the offensive. “If you are a donor or a potentialdonor, you are looking for Democrats to do more than defend [the seatsthey have],” he said. “The list helps donors sort out the muddle ofcandidates out there.”

Fraioli predicted the list of Redto Blue candidates would be shorter than in recent years should thepolitical environment remain static until November. “This is June; inAugust we could be having a completely different conversation,” hesaid.

Previously named candidates are Ami Bera inCalifornia’s 3rd district, Paula Brooks in Ohio’s 12th district, JohnCallahan in Pennsylvania’s 15th district, John Carney in Delaware’sat-large district, Suzan DelBene in Washington’s 8th district, RajGoyle in Kansas’ 4th district, Roy Herron in Tennessee’s 8th district,Bryan Lentz in Pennsylvania’s 7th district, Rob Miller in SouthCarolina’s 2nd district, Steve Pougnet in California’s 45th district,Dan Seals in Illinois’ 10th district, Tom White in Nebraska’s 2nddistrict, Lori Edwards in Florida’s 12th district, Joe Garcia inFlorida’s 25th district and Stephene Moore in Kansas’ 3rd district.

The DCCC raised $26 million for 63 Red to Blue candidates during the 2008 cycle, and 27 won their general elections.

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