NRCC vs. DCCC over Kirkpatrick

The National Republican Congressional Committee is taking its counterpart, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, to task over their support of CD1 candidate Ann Kirkpatrick. Ken Spain, spokesman for the NRCC, criticized Kirkpatrick as the "hand-picked Washington candidate" after the DCCC added her to its Red to Blue list, which helps Democratic challengers with fundraising and organization.

“Despite repeated claims that they would remain neutral in primaries, the DCCC has decided to make Ann Kirkpatrick the hand-picked Washington candidate of choice" said Spain in an email. "That is because they know she will be a rubber stamp for Nancy Pelosi and her liberal agenda of higher taxes, government-run healthcare, and soaring energy costs.”

The DCCC, however, denies that her inclusion in the program amounts to an endorsement, saying it is only a reflection of her strength as a candidate.

"Ann met some very tough goals" to gain a spot on the Red to Blue list, said DCCC spokesman Doug Thornell, "and she reached them pretty early on. She has demonstrated an ability to rally the support of the people of her district, and after Gov. [Janet] Napolitano endorsed her last week, it is clear she is the strongest candidate in the 1st District."

Thornell pointed out that either of the other candidates in the CD1 Democratic field could be considered for the program if they also met the fundraising goals Kirkpatrick has reached.