NRCC moves to protect vulnerable freshmen

Republicans have placed Iowa Rep. Tom Latham on a list of vulnerable incumbents that includes nine freshmen members.

The National Republican Congressional Committee announced Wednesday that Latham, a nine-term lawmaker, would join freshmen members such as Florida Rep. Allen West and Wisconsin Rep. Sean Duffy as the first lawmakers inducted into the Patriot Program, which is meant to be a firewall around vulnerable incumbents.

"Patriot Members have demonstrated the leadership and ability to wage aggressive campaigns based on rigorous goals and proven strategies for victory," NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (Texas) said in a statement. "I'm very proud of these Patriot Members who are leading the fight for victory in 2012,"

Latham announced last month he would challenge Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa) in the state's newly-created third district next year. Iowa lost one seat in redistricting.

The NRCC also inclucted two returning members, Reps. Mike Fitzpatrick (Pa.) Charlie Bass (N.H.), who are technically freshmen despite having served before in the House.

The program pushes the incumbents to build campaign infrastructure early and rewards them for meeting certain benchmarks. The NRCC also announced that top House Republicans will host a fundraiser for the 10 members on June 22.

The full list of members inducted in the program's first round includes:

Rep. Tom Latham (R-Iowa)
Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.)
Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wis.)
Rep. Pat Meehan (R-Pa.)
Rep. Lou Barletta (R-Pa.)
Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.)
Rep. Charlie Bass (R-N.H.)
Rep. Frank Guinta (R-N.H.)
Rep. Quico Canseco (R-Texas)
Rep. Joe Heck (R-Nev.)