Now fully on DCCC's radar, Boswell camp gears up for general election

Along with the news that its candidate was added to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's Red-to-Blue list, State Sen. David Boswell's (D-Owensboro) campaign team announced it was expanding to incorporate some veterans of Kentucky and national politics.

Boswell was added to the DCCC's Red-to-Blue list as a candidate in a Republican-held district targeted for Democratic takeover. Boswell is facing state Sen. Brett Guthrie (R-Bowling Green) for the 2nd Congressional District, which is open following the retirement of U.S. Rep. Ron Lewis (R-Cecilia).

"Senator Boswell is running a real grassroots campaign focusing on changing our country, and his message is catching fire throughout the district," said Mark Riddle, chief strategist for Boswell, in a statement released today "Senator Boswell was chosen for the DCCC's Red to Blue program because his vision of putting America first is resonating all over the Commonwealth."

Boswell was added to a list of 19 other open-seat races targeted by the DCCC. His campaign says placement on the list "will introduce Democratic supporters to Senator Boswell in order to help expand the campaign's political support and fundraising base."

Boswell's has been significantly out-raised in fundraising by Guthrie thus far, though the campaign recently added former U.S. Sen. candidate and Louisville businessman Greg Fischer as a volunteer finance director to help their chances.

Addition to the DCCC's list will likely result in funds coming in from around the country - a situation Guthrie's camp took aim at in response to the news today.

"He will now be taking money from the most liberal donors in America as directed by Pelosi," said Guthrie's campaign manager, Brian Smith, in a statement referring to U.S. House Speaker and chief campaigner for House Democrats, Nancy Pelosi (D-Cali.).

Boswell earlier said he would not commit to voting for Pelosi for speaker, if elected.

Amid this news, the Boswell camp also announced they had brought on the polling firm of Garin-Hart-Yang Research, as initially reported by PolitickerKY.com in June. That firm conducted polling for Beshear as well as other high-profile Democratic candidates across the country. An internal poll by the firm released last week showed Boswell up in the race.

In addition to strategy, Riddle, of the firm FRCR, will work with electronic media and function as the campaign spokesperson. Riddle previously served as executive director of the Kentucky Democratic Party and he worked on Gen. Wesley Clark's 2004 presidential bid.

Finally, Boswell brought on long-time Democratic operative Charles Halloran as general consultant. Halloran has a history of working with Democrats across the country, most recently working on U.S. Rep. Travis Childers' 2008 win in Mississippi. He also worked with former President Bill Clinton during his 1992 campaign, served as a travelling aide for Vice President Walter Mondale, and managed the 2004 presidential campaign of Rev. Al Sharpton and U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney's (D-Fl.) 2006 winning effort.

The Guthrie camp has assembled an experienced campaign team, as well. In addition to Smith, the Republican is working with consultant Scott Jennings and pollster Jan van Lohuizen, both veterans of past campaigns for U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville) and President Bush.