Driehaus on the list - Wulsin not

The list we're talking about is the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's list of candidates who have qualified for the party's competitive "Red to Blue" program.

The what program? Basically, this designation is a way for the party to publically show which candidates they are REALLY getting behind. That means these candidates should expect to get a little extra money and attention from the DCCC, although how much "extra money" they'll get is not specified.

Still, the title gives the candidates more credibility with donors and and can help link them up with big Democratic donors looking for competitive candidates to support.

Today, the DCCC unveiled the names of 13 lucky Democrats who are now part of the Red to Blue program, including Steve Driehaus, who is challenging Rep. Steve Chabot in Ohio's 1st Congressional District.

CLICK HERE to see the full list.

Someone you won't find on it? Democrat Victoria Wulsin, who is running against Rep. Jean Schmidt in Ohio's 2nd Congressional District.

Keep in mind though that today's list represents only the second slate of Democratic congressional candidates that have qualified for the DCCC Red to Blue program. The first slate was for candidates in open seats.

Last time around - in 2006 - there were four slates of candidates inducted into the Red to Blue program. And, last time around, Wulsin was a member of the Red to Blue program - as was John Cranley, who lost his bid to unseat Chabot. Wulsin lost her 2006 race against Schmdit.

Ryan Rudominer of the DCCC says Wulsin certainly could be considered in the future for induction to the program.

According to a DCCC news release, the 13 candidates named today "earned a spot in the program by surpassing demanding fundraising goals and skillfully demonstrating to voters that they stand for change and will represent new priorities when elected to Congress."

DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen had this to say about the slate:

“These candidates have come out of the gate strong and the Red to Blue Program will give them the financial and structural edge to be even more competitive in November. The candidates for change in our first round of challenger Red to Blue are strong examples of Democrats who represent a commitment to new priorities for the families in their districts.”

According to the DCCC, the Red to Blue program raised nearly $22.6 million for 56 campaigns in 2006.