We’re gonna need a bigger boat — Most vulnerable House members — Coakley’s 2010 redux? [View all]

http://www.politico.com/morningscore/0914/morningscore15144.html

We’re gonna need a bigger boat — Most vulnerable House members — Coakley’s 2010 redux?
By ELIZABETH TITUS | 09/02/14 9:59 AM EDT
With James Hohmann and Byron Tau

The following newsletter is an abridged version of Campaign Pro's Morning Score. For an earlier morning read on exponentially more races - and for a more comprehensive aggregation of the day's most important campaign news - sign up for Campaign Pro today. (http://www.politicopro.com/proinfo)

STATE OF THE RACE — “In battle for House, GOP falling short of target,” by POLITICO’s Alex Isenstadt: “Tepid fundraising, under-performing candidates, and a lousy party brand are threatening to deprive House Republicans of the sweeping 2014 gains that some top party officials have been predicting this year. … The GOP could still achieve its target if the environment for Democrats gets bleaker, strategists from both sides agree. … But Republicans concede it would take a dramatic shift in the political landscape against Democrats for the GOP to reach 245 seats, up from 234. …

“Many are worried about Florida Rep. Steve Southerland, who’s trying to beat back a ferocious challenge from Democrat Gwen Graham, the daughter of ex-Sen. Bob Graham. Southerland has raised less campaign money than his opponent — typically an ominous sign for an incumbent — and his first TV ad was panned by strategists as awkward and ineffective.

“There is also concern about Nebraska Rep. Lee Terry, an eight-term congressman with a long history as an underwhelming campaigner. During the government shutdown, Terry apologized after answering ‘dang straight’ when a reporter asked if he would continue collecting a paycheck, explaining that he had to cover the expenses of a ‘nice house’ and child’s education. In May, Terry barely survived a primary against an obscure challenger. …