Dahlkemper Gets National Attention from Democrats

By Matt Snyder
Herald Staff Writer

3RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT -

After winning 45 percent of the vote against three opponents in the Democratic primary, 3rd District Congressional candidate Kathleen Dahlkemper is getting some attention.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee showed some love toward Mrs. Dahlkemper last week when they put her on a list of 20 "emerging races."

Their emerging races list is about keying in on races that are generating excitement. It doesn't quite put Mrs. Dahlkemper into their Red-to-Blue program that funnelled about $404,000 for 56 Democratic races in 2006 in districts identified as Republican but trending Democratic, according to the party's campaign Web site.

"It shows there is great national interest in this race and they are supporting the race as I go forward," Mrs. Dahlkemper said Friday. That national interest is a fundraising boon, she said.

Mrs. Dahlkemper said it's unlikely she'll outraise English. She started at zero after the primary and English's last campaign finance report put him at closer to $800,000, she said.

And English's message has started to hit airwaves. Television ads sponsored by English's campaign committee are already playing in the district, which includes most of Mercer County along with all of Erie and Crawford counties and parts of Warren, Venango and Butler counties.

English's Campaign Manager Adam Beebe said this isn't particularly early for running television ads and they've done it before. He said the English camp intends to run a full campaign and that this is just the start.

"I just need to continue to raise funds so I can run a smart, strong race," Mrs. Dahlkemper said.

So far, national help from the Democratic party has been in the form of advice, guidance, and sometimes background on issues, she said.

"I think the national attention will help out as I go forward," Mrs. Dahlkemper said. "It's been 12 years since the Democrats felt they had a chance at taking this seat and people are seeing this as the time and opportunity to do it."

If people see she has a shot at beating English - a 14-year incumbent who is known as a tough campaigner - Mrs. Dahlkemper said her race should draw some outside support.