No Longer Fighting with One Hand Tied Behind His Back

Probably one of the more disappointing aspects of the 2004 elections was the failure of the DCCC to support Joe Donnelly in his race against Chris Chocola. The 2nd CD was drawn to be a fairly neutral district (the fact that there is argument as to which way it leans is a sign it is close to 50/50) and Chocola was facing re-election for the first time. Two of the ingredients that you look for in an upset, a third of course being money. With the DCCC sitting it out Joe was outspent 4 to 1 and faced a late TV onslaught that allowed Chocola to win by 9 points.

Thankfully this time Joe has been able to gain the support of the DCCC via the Red to Blue program. The program that provide financial and operational support to candidates is a strong sign that Joe is in position to beat Chocola this time. With the addition of Joe, this now makes three races in Indiana that will be watched nationally, and with a net change of only 15 seats to retake the House, shows that Indiana could well be the lynch pin in November.