The Democratic National Party is hedging their bets in U.S. Army war veteran Max Rose‘s (D) chances to oust incumbent Congressman Dan Donovan (R-Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island) in the Nov. 6 general election.
That after the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) tapped candidate Rose for their Red to Blue program today.
The program supports Democratic candidates with fundraising and organizational support with the hopes of flipping regions from Republican to Democrat. Local support, fundraising and grassroots engagement are some measures that determine a candidate’s acceptance to the program.
“As an U.S. army combat veteran, Infantry Company Commander in the National Guard and nonprofit executive, Max Rose has dedicated his life to serving America and giving back to New York City,” said DCCC Chairman Ben Ray Lujan.
“Max earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star defending our country and he is the first post-9/11 combat veteran to seek federal office in New York City. And as chief of staff of Brightpoint Health, Max helped deliver healthcare and substance abuse programs to New Yorkers in need. A Staten Islander, Max is one of the strongest challengers in the country,” he added.
Today marked the second round of Red to Blue candidate picks, with the first one occurring November 2017. This current round announced six candidates in addition to Rose bringing the total to 18 candidates throughout the country who can expect to receive an additional boost from the DCCC.
In addition to the recent support of the DCCC, Rose has raised an additional $330,000 in the final quarter of 2017. Rose’s fundraising thus far has surpassed of his Democratic and potential Republican opponents –– including Donovan.
“I am incredibly proud of the support we have received since we launched our campaign back in August,” said Rose. “We have received so much support on Staten Island, in South Brooklyn, and across the country from people who have never given before, but believe in this campaign and what it stands for.”
“They want someone in Washington D.C. with the courage to lead and who will fight for hardworking people they represent, not the special interests. That’s why I have vowed never to take a Corporate PAC contribution, not one cent,” added Rose.
But before Rose gets to challenge Donovan in the general election he must first get through a crowded June 26 primary that includes Michael DeCillis, Radhakrishna Mohan, Omar Vaid, Michael DeVito Jr., Zach Emig and Paul Sperling.
Donovan also has a primary challenge from former U.S. Rep. MIchael Grimm.
