DCCC gives boost to Trauner campaign

Mcjoan on Daily Kos posted this on Dec. 20 about Gary Trauner’s new visibility (and viability) in the 2008 race for Wyoming’s lone U.S. House seat:

The DCCC's fundraising efforts have been successful enough that they can look beyond defending seats of vulnerable incumbents, so they're looking at targeting key open seats, currently held by Republicans. These include state Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson in Illinois’ 11th district; state Sen. John Adler in New Jersey’s 3rd; state Assemblywoman and 2006 nominee Linda Stender in New Jersey’s 7th; Franklin County Commissioner and 2006 nominee Mary Jo Kilroy in Ohio’s 15th; state Sen. John Boccieri in Ohio’s 16th; and most exciting for us, Gary Trauner in Wyoming’s at-large.

Mcjoan also includes this quote from Frank Luntz:

Luntz, who has been most often associated with the Republican Party, was not as certain about whether the Wyoming GOP can hang onto the U.S. House seat to be vacated by incumbent Barbara Cubin. "In this current environment, I don't count on anything anymore," he said. "Wyoming is not as Republican as people think it is," Luntz added. "Voters have such a deep independent streak, and they don't like Washington."... "Do you realize how angry the American people are right now? They're angry at the war. They're angry at the economy. They're angry at illegal immigration," he said. They also are angry at the waste and corruption in Washington.

Here's what Mr. Trauner has to say about this turn of events:

The support of the everyday people through the netroots means a lot. There may be some issues where we disagree, but their financial support will make a huge difference going forward.... I welcome the DCCC's support, but I'm still running a race for the people of Wyoming and what matters to them. That's doing the right thing for the people of Wyoming and our country, and I'm glad the DCCC willing to stand behind that.... For me, I'm optimistic, buoyantly optimistic. It's more clear than ever that people aren't happy with the path we're on, with the representation that they have. It's gotten worse since 2006. We need representatives who are willing to be leaders and tell it straight.