Demmer joins the "Young Guns"

Republican congressional candidate Randy Demmer has been elevated to "Young Guns" status by the National Republican Congressional Committee. That means he is ranked among the top-tier of GOP candidates. It also shows that national Republicans are zeroing in on the 1st Congressional District race.

Demmer is running against two-term DFL incumbent Tim Walz. Also running is IP candidate Steven Wilson and independent candidate Lars Johnson.

In a news release, NRCC chairman Pete Sessions is quoted saying that Demmer has shown he can beat Walz.

"Randy's campaign is a symbol of the growing momentum behind Republican candidates in Minnesota and across the country. As Democrats and their party bosses continue to force their big-government, big-spending policies onto the backs of hard-working families, Republicans like Randy Demmer will continue to present a clear alternative to a Democrat majority that unapologetically spends too much, borrows too much and taxes too much," Sessions said.

In order to be named a "Young Gun," Demmer's campaign had to reach what the release calls "substantial" fundraising goals along with having a winnable campaign. Demmer is one of 18 GOP candidates added today to the NRCC's Young Guns program. Republicans are hopeful that the conservative tide will help them reclaim the 1st District seat. Walz won in 2006 during a Democratic voting wave, beating out longtime GOP Congressman Gil Gutknecht.

Update: The Walz campaign's Communications Director Sara Severs released the following statement:

"Representative Demmer may be a “young gun," but he can’t shoot straight. He’s a typical, career politician whose record proves he has no new ideas, only the same failed policies of the past. There is a clear choice in this campaign and we’re confident southern Minnesota voters will recognize his pitiful record for what it is."