Progress Illinois

Last year, Democratic congressional challenger Scott Harper received virtually no help from the national Democratic Party in his race to unseat 13th District Rep. Judy Biggert. Ten days ago, Harper filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission, signifying that he's going to give it another shot. And this time around, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is taking notice. From an article today in Roll Call (subscription required):

“We’re excited about the possibility that Scott Harper may challenge Congresswoman Biggert in 2010,” DCCC spokeswoman Gabby Adler said. “Last cycle, during an abbreviated campaign, Scott proved his ability to raise large sums of money and build grass-roots support. We’re confident that with more time, money and support, Scott will no doubt be a serious threat to Judy Biggert as voters realize times have changed but their Member of Congress has not.”

In response, the National Republican Congressional Committee has identified Biggert as one of 10 legislators who qualify for its Patriot Program, a comprehensive incumbent retention program. According to Politico, the national party will organize fundraisers, bring in "high-profile Republican surrogates," and utilize their own money to buoy Biggert's campaign. In other words, they realize which way the wind is blowing.