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Republicans getting nervous about Dem recruitment

Jason Crow, candidate for Congress from Colorado. Photo via Facebook

I'm beginning to hear senior Republicans fret about Democrats recruiting unusually high quality House candidates for the 2018 midterms. They worry that with Trump in turmoil, accomplished progressives view next year as a their best chance in ages to win a congressional seat.

  • Jason Crow to challenge GOP Rep. Mike Coffman for Colorado's 6th District. Crow's bio: "[Led] a platoon of paratroopers during the invasion of Iraq and earned the Bronze Star for his combat actions during the invasion..."
  • Chrissy Houlahan to challenge GOP Rep. Ryan Costello for Pennsylvania's 6th District. Houlahan's bio: Engineering degree from Stanford, Captain in the Air Force Reserve, chief operating office of an apparel company and of nonprofits.
  • Josh Butner to challenge GOP Rep. Duncan Hunter for California's 50th District. Butner's bio: Navy SEAL, serves as trustee on a school board, and currently works for the dive equipment company, Aqua Lung.
  • Jennifer Wexton to challenge GOP Rep. Barbara Comstock for Virginia's 10th District. Wexton's bio: State Senator in Virginia, legal career as a prosecutor in Loudoun County, and as a private lawyer, including pro bono work representing abused and neglected children.

A DCCC source tells me the Democratic committee has already had serious conversations with more than 300 potential candidates in about 75 districts. "There are a great deal of veterans, small business owners and entrepreneurs, and women that are stepping up," the source said.