When the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee released its first-round list of top candidates for 2010, state Sen. Charlie Justice wasn't on the list.

The "Red to Blue" program includes fundraising and organizing goals. Justice, D-St. Petersburg, acknowledged Wednesday he hasn't met that fundraising requirement in his campaign to oust U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young, R-Indian Shores. He raised $212,000 with $91,000 on hand through Dec. 31.

Justice said DCCC officials continue to talk with him, and they haven't told him they're backing off after Young announced he'd seek another term. But he acknowledged the publicity value and potential financial help.

"This race is going to be won or lost in Pinellas County, not Washington. ... From the very beginning this was not about me running only if he didn’t," Justice said. "I know we’re not there yet. I haven’t talked to them recently about what you have to do."

One who made the list: Democrat Lori Edwards, the Polk County Supervisor of Elections who wants to replace U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, who is running to be state agriculture commissioner. Edwards has raised $176,000 and has $60,000 on hand.

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