A press release from the National Republican Campaign Committee:

NRCC Welcomes Joe Walsh to Patriot Program

Program Will Aid Illinois Republican in Developing Winning Re-Election Campaign

Washington— National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX) and Deputy Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR), the co-chairs of the Patriot Program, today announced that Congressman Joe Walsh (IL-08) is included in the third round of Patriot Program Members for the 2012 election cycle.

Joe Walsh on the offensive at the Huntley Area Tea Party.

The program is a rigorous, goal-oriented initiative that enables Members to stay on offense as they build winning re-election campaigns.

“The Patriot Program is about staying on offense by building strong and winning campaigns against Democrats and their agenda that bankrupts our nation,” said Chairman Sessions.

“Joe Walsh has demonstrated the leadership and ability to wage an aggressive campaign based on rigorous goals and proven strategies for victory. I’m very proud of Joe and these Patriot Members who are leading the fight for victory in 2012.”

Established in 2009, the Patriot Program empowers incumbent Members to build strong campaigns through measured benchmarks and accountability, including for

• fundraising,
• communications and
• grassroots organization.

Patriot Program Members can define strengths, address challenges early and build iron-clad campaigns for re-election.

“Every Member prepared for victory in November will strengthen a House Republican Majority that is committed to the American people’s priorities of cutting spending, reducing debt and creating jobs,” said Deputy Chairman Walden.

“An iron-clad campaign spells defeat for Democrats vying to return Nancy Pelosi as Speaker, and I applaud Joe Walsh for taking on the challenge of controlling the competitiveness of his race through the strength of his own campaign.”

Joe Walsh has dedicated his life to service. He began his career working in the inner-city of Chicago, where he taught and developed education and work-related programs for high school dropouts with Jobs for Youth. Passionate about many issues, Walsh has been particularly vocal in urging Congress to pass a Balanced Budget Amendment.

Since coming to Congress, Joe Walsh has been an independent conservative voice serving on the Homeland Security, Small Business and Oversight and Government Reform Committees.

In 2010, 40 Members successfully completed the Patriot Program, enabling the NRCC to focus 98.5 percent of Independent Expenditure resources on defeating Democrats to win the majority in the House of Representatives.