Democrats Will Try to Turn Red to Blue in 13 House Districts

House Democrats have targeted 13 Republican-held seats for special attention this fall in a "red to blue" program aimed at offsetting widespread losses that many pundits expect in the November midterm elections.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the political arm of the House Democratic Caucus, included six open seats, currently held by Republicans who are leaving office. But the majority party is also going after some incumbents where it thinks a "red" (Republican) district can turn "blue" (Democratic), according to The Hill newspaper.

Among the more interesting incumbent targets: Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.), challenged by Mayor Steve Pournet of Palm Springs; Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio), opposed by Franklin County (Columbus) Commissioner Paula Brooks; and Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), facing Rob Miller, a former Marine captain who ran against Wilson two years ago. Wilson made his name by shouting "You lie" during a speech by President Obama before Congress last year. Mack has held the congressional seat of her late husband, entertainer Sonny Bono.