Collective PAC Asks DCCC About Lack of Black Candidates

The Collective PAC, which supports Black American candidates, has some questions for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Collective PAC Executive Director Quentin James sent a letter to DCCC Chair Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), asking why the group has not included any Black candidates in its "Red to Blue" target program which highlights Democratic recruits who have met certain campaign goals. James highlighted five Black candidates, arguing that they're all running very viable and competitive races. “Specifically, Antonio Delgado in New York 19, Colin Allred in Texas 32, Lauren Underwood in Illinois 14, Pam Keith in Florida 18, Greg Edwards in Pennsylvania 7 andTamara Harris in New Jersey 11, are all running viable, competitive races in some of the most opportune congressional districts in the nation for Democrats to win. Therefore, before we make judgments and jump to public conclusions, we would love to discuss the DCCC’s rationale for deciding against backing these and other phenomenal black candidates and discuss ways we can work together to maximize black voter turnout in 2018," James wrote. The DCCC has included two of the primaries in its "Red to Blue" program. "Due to the urgent timing of these primaries, we’d prefer to meet at the DCCC’s office during the week of February 26 – March 2, 2018 if possible." In an email to BuzzFeed News, spokesperson Meredith Kelly said the DCCC looked forward to meeting with the Collective PAC and values the importance of diversity. "The DCCC has put a premium on promoting diversity amongst our staff, consultants, and candidates this election cycle. We are proud to be working with a historic number of women and diverse candidates across our targeted battlefield, and we will continue to build on that important work as we fight to take back the House," said Kelly. More here.