Demmer announced today that his campaign has moved on to "Contender" status in the NRCC's Young Gun's Program.
From the NRCC's press release:
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) announced today that Republican Randy Demmer (MN-01) has reached ‘Contender’ status as part of its Young Guns program. ‘Contender’ status is the second step in the three-level program. Demmer now faces a new set of benchmarks to reach ‘Young Gun’ status in his bid to represent Minnesota’s First Congressional District. His opponent is incumbent Democrat Tim Walz, who rubber-stamped his party’s failed trillion-dollar stimulus with no jobs to show for it. Proving that Minnesota voters are tired of Walz’s out-of-touch agenda, Demmer has raised an impressive $303,641 during the second quarter of 2010 and has over $250,000 cash on hand.
Founded in the 2007-2008 election cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI), the Young Guns program is a member-driven organization dedicated to electing open-seat and challenger candidates nationwide. By achieving ‘Contender’ status, Demmer has already demonstrated his ability to build a successful campaign structure and achieve vital fundraising goals.
“Randy Demmer has met a series of rigorous fundraising and campaign goals that will go a long way in helping to put this seat back in the Republican column,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). “Randy is part of a strong and growing pool of candidates who are frustrated with the Democrat majority’s big-government ways and aren’t willing to stand by any longer. The success of his campaign has put congressional Democrats on notice that Americans are ready to turn the page on the failed experiment known as the Obama-Pelosi agenda.”
Randy Demmer is currently serving his fourth term in the Minnesota House of Representatives. As someone who has successfully run a small business, Demmer knows firsthand the damage that the Obama-Walz agenda is inflicting on Southern Minnesota’s economy. After receiving his Bachelors of Agricultural Business Administration degree from the University of Minnesota, Demmer began working on his family operated farm. He then went on to pursue a career as a successful businessman, forming a computerized accounting company and owning three auto parts stores, later selling these businesses to his employees. Demmer and his wife Kathy are lifelong residents of Hayfield and have three daughters. He is also an active member of the community, volunteering with several associations such as the Dodge County Corn Growers and the Hayfield Area Chamber of Commerce. By reaching the second level of the NRCC’s Young Guns program, Demmer has begun to follow in the footsteps of fellow Minnesotan Rep. Erik Paulsen, whose role in the program was vital to his victory in 2008.
Randy Demmer now faces a new set of rigorous goals that will elevate him to the top level of the Young Guns program and help him build a competitive, effective and winning campaign.