OWH: Terry still among GOP vulnerable

Robynn Tysver, Omaha World Herald
October 7, 2009

Republican U.S. Rep. Lee Terry received some good news and some bad news Wednesday.

The good news? The number of GOP congressman considered vulnerable in 2010 dropped from 10 to five, according to a list released by the National Republican Congressional Committee.

The bad news? Terry is still on the list.

Terry was one of five congressman named to the NRCC's "Patriot Day" program - a list of GOP incumbents considered most vulnerable in 2010. Originally, the program was to include 10. But in the last few months, Republicans in Washington, D.C., believe the political environment has shifted in their favor.

Terry is expected to face stiff competition from State Sen. Tom White, an Omaha civil rights attorney and longtime Democrat who got out of the gate early and is busy raising money.

Terry also faces a primary challenge from Republican Matt Sakalosky, a political newcomer.

The Patriots program could be a financial boon to Terry. He and the four other incumbents on the list will be the focus of a fund-raising blitz in Washington, D.C., this fall.

The NRCC is expected to ask congressman who are flush with cash and who are expected to handily win re-election to donate a portion of their war chests to the five vulnerable incumbents.

Terry could receive as much as $100,000 in one day.

David Boomer, Terry's campaign manager, said they were pleased to be on the Patriot's list because of the money it will bring into Terry's campaign coffers.

He also said that Terry is prepared for a tough race, but Terry believes he will prevail as he did in the last two elections. In fact, Terry is in a much better position this year than he was last year when then-candidate Barack Obama headed the ballot.

Democrat Jim Esch came within 4 percentage points of unseating Terry in 2008, the year Obama won a presidential electoral vote in the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District.

"We're planning on a competitive race, but we think everything is moving in our direction . . . We remain confident," Boomer said.

White argued that Terry's inclusion on the Patriot's list was a good sign for his campaign.

He said it proved that his campaign is in a good position to unseat Terry.

"The Washington Republican power structure is reading the same tea leaves we are. We are getting a lot of support and they're scared," said White.