DCCC Adds Gerry to Red to Blue

For Immediate Release
June 18, 2008

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Notes VA-11 As Top Pick-Up Opportunity, Adds Connolly to Red to Blue

Fairfax, VA — The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, led by Chairman Chris Van Hollen, announced today that Gerry Connolly has been added to its highly competitive Red to Blue program.  Democratic congressional candidates qualify for the Red to Blue program by surpassing demanding fundraising goals and demonstrating to voters that they stand for change.

“We’re thrilled to be included in the Red to Blue program,” said Chairman Connolly.  “This will give us the financial edge to win in November.”

The Red to Blue program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country and offers them financial, communications, and strategic support.  The program will introduce Democratic supporters to new, competitive candidates in order to help expand the fundraising base for the campaigns.

Red to Blue was successful in 2006, raising nearly $22.6 million for campaigns with an average of $404,400 per campaign.

Gerry Connolly was first elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 1995. In 2003, he was elected Chairman of the Board.  Prior to serving in elected office, Connolly spent ten years with the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he managed committee oversight of international economic issues, international narcotics control and United Nations and Middle East policies.  He received a B.A. in Literature from Maryknoll College and an M.A. in Public Administration from Harvard University in 1979.