he DNC's Howard Dean and the DCCC's Rahm Emanuel, at odds for months over election strategy, have struck a deal.
The DNC has agreed to spend money in 40 of Emanuel's House races, a Democratic official said this afternoon. Sources outside the party said that some Dean advisers wanted to include a "good behavior" clause that would increase the amount of money given to House races if Emanuel refrained from publicly or privately denigrating the DNC. But that idea never made it past the drawing board and was never introduced by the DNC.
Officials at the two committees declined to specify the scope of the the DNC's investment, but several strategists privy to the negotiations said they believe that the DNC has committed to spend at least $60K per race.
DNC officials are currently negotiating with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee about spending in key Senate contests.
Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC) helped broker the agreement, which was reached by the DCCC's executive director, Karin Johanson, and Dean's top aide, Tom McMahon.
"Democrats are unified and prepared to win up-and-down the ballot, all across America this November," Dean said in a statement. "Building on successful efforts over the past year, we're in the final stretch and the DNC is making unprecedented investments to ensure that Democrats retake control of Congress and are elected at every level of government."
"The money is already starting to flow out," one official said.
http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/archives/2006/09/post_65.html