Democrats fear a suburban Philly congressional race is their ‘biggest recruiting failure in the country’
“This is an absolute rejection [of President
But behind the scenes,
GOP Rep.
“It’s the biggest recruiting failure in the country,” said a Democratic strategist directly involved in the race, who spoke on condition of anonymity to talk candidly about internal party deliberations.
Fitzpatrick holds one of the rare seats in the country that
Meanwhile, Trump remains unpopular in suburban areas, and the looming impeachment vote may be difficult to navigate. Fitzpatrick, like the rest of the
But among national groups like the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and Emily’s List, which works to elect Democratic women who support abortion rights, “there is deep skepticism” that the candidates currently running can topple Fitzpatrick, the Democratic strategist involved in the race said.
The DCCC, House Democrats’ campaign arm, unsuccessfully sought to recruit former Rep.
It’s still relatively early in the election cycle, and the search for a new candidate is ongoing.
Nevertheless, the race in the
“All eyes are focused on Bucks,” said
They had less success in
Former Republican Rep.
Fitzpatrick, who had support from groups that typically align with
Some
In the past couple of local election cycles,
“Going forward, if the plan is to try to be successful in a bid for
Four Democratic candidates have filed paperwork with the
Wachspress’ campaign has raised about
Wachspress’ campaign said she had “emerged as the strongest candidate” and would “have the resources and support to unseat” Fitzpatrick.
Reiss said the DCCC was “welcome to visit our district anytime” and that “voters are the only ones who get to decide if I am a candidate worthy of their vote.”
Murphy, who defeated
The DCCC wouldn’t comment on its recruitment efforts. Spokesperson
Fitzpatrick’s campaign had more than
In a statement, Fitzpatrick’s campaign said it welcomed all entrants to the race: “The more people that participate in our government, the healthier our democracy.”
Staff writer
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