took another step toward reelection from the 10th Congressional District Saturday when he opened his Highland Park campaign headquarters for a campaign that promises to be one of the country’s most competitive.
Before he even took his oath of office last January, the . Last month, the DCCC officially put the district on its red to blue list as a constituency worthy of resources for the March 20 primary winner.
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Dold raised a total of $1.66 million in 2011, and now has war chest for the race ahead. On Saturday he began his effort to get his supporters geared up to assist his quest.
“We’ve been concentrating on fundraising up to now,” Dold said. “We want a place where our volunteers can come and be engaged. We’re reaching out to people and putting our ground game in place.”
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Five months after Dold took his seat in the House of Representatives, along with 14-year incumbent Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Evanston).
A few days after the new map was announced, Dold said he would where the vast majority of his current constituents live.
“The district is two points more Democratic but the people of the 10th will determine their representative not the legislature,” Dold said. “I have been rated by the Congressional Quarterly as the Republican most likely to cross over (and work with the Democrats).”
Dold was referring to an article in the Congressional Quarterly that looked at the voting record of all Republicans and judged their potential support for the agenda of President Barack Obama, according to Dold spokesperson Kelley Folino.
“This district has a tradition of thoughtful, independent leadership,” Dold said. “It started with (former Rep.) John Porter (R-Wilmette), a friend and mentor, and continued with , also a friend and mentor. Representing the people of the district is my No. 1 priority.”
More than 100 people were on hand to inspect the offices and show their support including state Rep. Sid Mathias (R-Buffalo Grove), Lake County Board President David Stolman (R-Buffalo Grove), other candidates for office, volunteers for his first campaign and new supporters.
Dold will face the winner of the Democratic primary between Deerfield management consultant , Waukegan community organizer , Long Grove business owner and Mundelein attorney .
