Citing a “strong campaign” that is beginning to energize traditional voting blocs, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has upgraded the bid of state Sen. Don Cravins Jr. of Opelousas to the “Emerging Races” column. Cravins, who will oppose incumbent Congressman Charles Boustany, a Lafayette Republican, on this fall’s ballot, is the 21st Democratic candidate selected for the program. “In the short time that Don Cravins has been in the race, he’s put together a solid campaign and shown that he is committed to making things easier for middle class families in Southwest Louisiana,” says DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen.
But what does it mean for Cravins? Right now, not much, unless he can surpass fundraising goals and inch closer to Boustany in the polls. If that happens, then his campaign will be upgraded to the DCCC’s “Red to Blue” program. That status brings along with it “financial, communications, and strategic support.” The Emerging Races nod, however, is a start.
In related news, the Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee endorsed Cravins at its regular meeting last week. “We could not ask for a better candidate than state Sen. Don Cravins Jr.,” says Susannah Malbreaux, vice chairman of the LPDEC. “Don has consistently shown the true meaning of a Southern Democrat, and we are backing him 100 percent.”