Raye, Poliquin get nod from national Republican committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) announced Thursday that 36 congressional candidates have made their “On the Radar” list for the 2014 elections.

Both former Senate President Kevin Raye and former State Treasurer Bruce Poliquin made the list.

“These 36 candidates all provide a stark contrast to their liberal opponents, whose support of ObamaCare and this Administration’s big-government, job-destroying agenda has taken a toll on the American people,” said NRCC Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR). “With ObamaCare’s bad policies and botched rollout affecting families across our nation, and our country diving deeper into debt each and every day, it’s time to bring real change backed by conservative principles and priorities to Washington.”

Raye and Polquin took advantage of the national spotlight. In emails to their respective supporters, both candidates said the NRCC’s announcement shows Maine’s Second Congressional District is now winnable for Republicans.

“I couldn’t be more excited about the momentum this campaign is building,” said Raye. “Today’s announcement by the NRCC reinforces what we have known for some time – that Maine’s Second District will be a key race nationally and offers a real pick-up opportunity for Republicans.”

“It is an honor to be among only a few dozen campaigns across the country to earn this distinction,” said Poliquin.

“Being put ‘On the Radar’ is an acknowledgement of something we already knew: Maine’s 2nd Congressional District is winnable for the right Republican candidate,” he said. “We’re running a strong, grassroots-oriented campaign that is showing that we are in a good position to do just that.”