Wagner, a former GOP official, is receiving increasing support from national Republicans. (Photo/Post-Dispatch)
— Among national Republicans, Second Congressional District candidate Ann Wagner’s status continues to rise.
Wagner, a St. Louis Republican, was recognized Tuesday by the National Republican Congressional Committee a “contender,” the third level in their ‘Young Guns’ program, the NRSC told PoliticMo.
The program — founded in 2008 by Reps. Eric Cantor, Kevin McCarthy, and Paul Ryan, and majorly successful in 2010 — was established to help the party find strong congressional candidates. Its basis is organizational and fundraising benchmarks.
“We are looking forward to working with Ann Wagner, who has already proven herself by meeting rigorous benchmarks in the ‘Young Guns’ program that will position her campaign for victory,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions, R-Texas, in a statement. “Ann Wagner’s dedication and experience positions her to advocate for pro-growth policies and fight the failed Democrat status quo in Washington.”
The NRSC did not say what benchmarks candidates, like Wagner, actually have to meet in order to rise in their program. But Wagner, a former official in the state and national party, has pulled significant fundraising support (at least $1.35 million at last report) and endorsement from Republicans across the country.
Her first Republican opponent, St. Louis attorney Ed Martin, left the race last month. Wagner’s only challenge, currently, is St. Louis doctor Randy Jotte, a St. Louis Republican who has led three other, unsuccessful attempts at elected office.
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