Rep. Giffords on list of endangered Dems

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee included Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords on its list of the most vulnerable incumbents, released Thursday.

As Giffords remains in a Houston hospital, where she is recovering from the gunshot wound to the head she suffered in January, the DCCC is moving to protect her 8th District seat. Giffords was among 15 members chosen for the committee's "Frontline" program, which supports their "fundraising and outreach operations."

"The 15 Frontline members are battle tested and survived tough re-elections to return to Congress," DCCC Chairman Steve Israel (N.Y.) said in a statement. "Under the leadership of Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the Frontline program builds on Members’ strengths, making sure they have the money, message and mobilization needed to be successful and continue fighting for the middle class families and small businesses in their districts."

The list also includes Utah Rep. Jim Matheson, who has already been targeted by a GOP TV ad, and New York Rep. Tim Bishop, who squeaked out a narrow win last November.

The full list is available after the jump. The DCCC noted, though, the list could change based on "political circumstances" such as redistricting, members' opponents or other factors.

Rep. Tim Bishop (N.Y.)
Rep. Leonard Boswell (Iowa)
Rep. Russ Carnahan (Mo.)
Rep. Ben Chandler (Ky.)
Rep. Gerry Connolly (Va.)
Rep. Mark Critz (Pa.)
Rep. Gabby Giffords (Ariz.)
Rep. Larry Kissell (N.C.)
Rep. Jim Matheson (Utah)
Rep. Mike McIntyre (N.C.)
Rep. Jerry McNerney (Calif.)
Rep. Bill Owens (N.Y.)
Rep. Gary Peters (Mich.)
Rep. Kurt Schrader (Ore.)
Rep. Tim Walz (Minn.)