Raleigh News & Observer
Monday, June 25, 2007
www.newsobserver.com

D.C. Democrats line up behind Kissell
From Under the Dome

Rob Christensen and Ryan Teague Beckwith, Staff Writers

Larry Kissell had a hard time getting Washington Democrats to return his calls last year.

But after watching Kissell, a Montgomery County school teacher, lose to Republican U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes by only 329 votes, the D.C. Democrats have changed their tune.

U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, held a conference call last week trying to line up Democratic donors for Kissell's rematch next year.

He also sent out an e-mail asking for help for Kissell.

"North Carolina's 8th District is a priority for us at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee," Van Hollen wrote. "We are committed to doing everything we can to get Larry elected, and we need you to make that same commitment."

In April, Illinois Rep. Rahm Emanuel, the past DCCC chairman, headlined a fundraiser for Kissell in Raleigh.

The early backing by the DCCC likely sends two signals -- that it's time for Democratic donors to get on board, and that no other Democratic challengers need apply.