Blum, Democrats expect Iowa’s 1st District to be targeted race in 2016

By James Q. Lynch, The Gazette

Even though he hasn't taken office, Blum already has a bull's-eye on his back.

The congressman-elect from Iowa's 1st District is among a handful of freshmen Republicans who are likely to be targeted by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, according to Roll Call, which covers Capitol Hill politics.

Asked about being included in Roll Call's 'one-term caucus,' Blum laughed.

'I haven't taken the oath of office and already I'm on my way out,' he said.

Turning serious, the Dubuque businessman said being in the DCCC cross hairs is not unexpected.

'It's a Democratic district,' Blum said. 'It was an upset win, so we knew we'd be in the top three or four targeted districts.'

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He'll be targeted in large part because it's considered easier to defeat first-term members of the House than more established — and entrenched — incumbents. Add to that, Roll Call said, is the belief that Blum's 51.2 percent to 48.7 percent victory over state Rep. Pat Murphy also of Dubuque was aided by the poor performance of Rep. Bruce Braley in his bid to succeed Sen. Tom Harkin. Braley has represented the 1st for four terms.

President Barack Obama carried the 20-county 1st District in 2008 and by a 14-point margin in 2012. Democrats also say the four candidates Murphy defeated in the primary give then a deep bench that includes Cedar Rapids City Councilwoman Monica Vernon and state Rep. Anesa Kajtazovic of Waterloo.

Blum said his plan is to work hard 'to create more private sector jobs, raise people's income and get this economy going — the things we ran on.'

Throw in great constituent services and Blum believes he can make the case in 2106 that voters should stick with him.