House Dems add cash to protect seats

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is dropping additional cash to protect a half-dozen seats, the latest defensive move from the committee as it seeks to protect its incumbents and open seats.

{mosads}The DCCC is adding roughly $2 million in total to protect Reps. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Ariz.), William Enyart (D-Ill.), Rick Nolan (D-Minn.), Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa) and the open seat held by Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa), who is running for the Senate.

Democrats had long been confident the pair of eastern Iowa seats would be fine, but the $420,000 sent to the region indicates they’re concerned about holding both seats, and the new cash could be used for either seat. Both Loebsack and Braley barely held on in the 2010 GOP wave election.

The biggest investment is $740,000 to protect Nolan, who is in a tight race with businessman Stewart Mills (R). Democrats have pounded Mills for months on the air.

The moves are the latest defensive measures the DCCC has taken in the face of a tough national environment and increased spending from GOP outside groups. Republicans are expected to pick up House seats in two weeks’ time.