First on CNN: House Republicans unveil top 2016 targets

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Though they came out of 2014 enjoying their largest majority since 1928, House Republicans will have to play offense if they hope to avoid losing ground this cycle, as presidential-level turnout will favor Democrats in many battleground districts that they either lost or failed to contest in 2014. Democrats have already signaled they plan to play in nearly 70 seats this cycle, in pursuit of the 30 seats they’d need to take back the House.

To prevent that outcome, the NRCC on Wednesday announced 18 top Democratic targets for defeat. The list includes perennial favorites, like Rep. Collin Peterson of Minnesota and Scott Peters of California, as well as some new faces, like Florida Rep. Gwen Graham and Nebraska Rep. Brad Ashford, the only two Democrats to defeat GOP incumbents in 2014.

Almost all of the 14 Democrats named as the party’s most vulnerable incumbents are on the NRCC’s target list, except for California Rep. Raul Ruiz.

And the Oscars-themed messaging push is aimed at reminding voters that past defeats are precedent for Democrats going forward.

Annie Kuster (NH-02)

Julia Brownley (CA-26)

Cheri Bustos (IL-17)

Ben Ray Lujan (NM-03)

CNN