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With polls showing that 2006 could be a pivotal year for Democrats, the DCCC has started its mentoring program earlier than in past years and has been more systematic in its implementation, both hallmarks of Chairman Rahm Emanuel’s aggressive approach. The DCCC hopes that the safe incumbents can bring an early boost to challengers’ campaigns. The mentors bring policy experience, political acumen and a stable of fundraising contacts.
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Schakowsky praised Emanuel for bringing mentors and mentees together earlier than in previous election cycles.
“I think Rahm has been more systematic in making that happen. He has solicited support from members, not just waited for people to come to him. This is a much more organized effort than we’ve had in the past.”
Republicans don’t have a similar mentoring program, but challengers do develop relationships with members of Congress through other means.
A spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee scoffed at the Democrats’ program.
“For House Democrats, it makes sense to instill a minority mind-set into their candidates. That kind of mental conditioning is important for members in a permanent minority.”
http://www.thehill.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/041906/news3.html