About 2,200 ballots are still left to count in Clark County from Tuesday’s primary, but the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is already throwing support behind Carolyn Long.
Long is trailing Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, with 35.33 percent of the vote to Herrera Beutler’s 42.13, but winning in Clark County by 0.54 percent.
Long has been added the national organization’s Red to Blue program, joining 66 other candidates highlighted for their potential to challenge incumbents. Herrera Beutler is seeking her fifth term.
The program provides candidates with fundraising and organizational support to help flip targeted districts. The 3rd Congressional District was first targeted by the DCCC in March 2017.
Amanda Sherman, DCCC regional press secretary, said Long’s strong showing, and strong Democratic showing overall in the primary, reaffirmed what the DCCC believed about the district and the potential for a Democrat to win the House seat.
Sherman added that the recognition “is a commitment from the DCCC that we take this race seriously and we really believe it’s going to be competitive.”
Long is one of two candidates in Washington receiving support from the DCCC. Lisa Brown, candidate for the state’s 5th Congressional District, is also receiving support for her challenge of Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Spokane. Brown’s addition was announced in February.
“Growing up working at her family’s small business, Carolyn Long learned the value of hard work and the importance of community,” said DCCC Chairman Ben Ray Luján in a press release. “Carolyn has taken those values and made them the bedrock of her career and campaign. The primary further revealed the unprecedented grass-roots energy in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, and combined with Carolyn’s strong campaign, this is a prime pickup opportunity in November.”
Long said she’s thrilled by the recognition.
“The biggest thing it does is makes it a nationally recognized race,” Long said. “We’ve sort of been flying under the radar. The DCCC elevates this race. It will attract different eyes to the race and possibly different support.”
The support is also a recognition of her ability, Long added.
“The DCCC is very strategic about which candidates it will choose to support because you can’t support every single candidate who’s running,” she said.
When contacted for comment, Herrera Beutler’s office emailed the following statement: “Oregonian Carolyn Long’s connection to Nancy Pelosi’s campaign arm sends a powerful message to Southwest Washington voters — Long and Pelosi will work hand-in-hand to raise our taxes and undermine our economic recovery.”
