Class of 1994 raises almost $300K

Republicans in the historic Class of ’94, led by Rep. Phil English (Pa.), rallied for their vulnerable classmates last week, raising a shade under $300,000 during an event at the Capitol Hill Club on Thursday.

English, who is running to succeed Rep. Tom Reynolds (R-N.Y.) as chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), organized the event to raise money for the members of his class in tight races this cycle, an English aide said.

The event benefited Republican Reps. Charles Bass (N.H.), Brian Bilbray (Calif.), Steve Chabot (Ohio), Barbara Cubin (Wyo.) J.D. Hayworth (Ariz.), Sue Kelly (N.Y.) and Ron Lewis (Ky.).

English was joined by many of his fellow GOP classmates who still serve in the House, including Reps. Doc Hastings (Wash.), Rodney Frelinghuysen (N.J.), Steve LaTourette (Ohio), Frank LoBiondo (N.J.), John Shadegg (Ariz.), Mark Souder (Ind.), George Radanovich (Calif.), Todd Tiahrt (Kan.), Zach Wamp (Tenn.), Roger Wicker (Miss.) and Ed Whitfield (Ky.).

The historic Class of 1994 is comprised of those Republican candidates who swept to power in the GOP’s landslide victory that year to unseat a Democratic majority that had presided over the House since 1954. The current Republican majority faces a serious challenge this November.

Former Rep. Bill Paxon (R-N.Y.), who chaired the NRCC that historic year, also attended the event to add a dash of nostalgia for those early days of the so-called Republican Revolution.

Some members, including English, are trying to organize the class as a political force in the next Congress, particularly if Republicans can maintain their majority.

During an appearance on “Fox News Sunday” this weekend,  House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said, “Republicans are going to maintain control of both the House and the Senate by comfortable margins.”