It would seem that Sean Bielat is posing a serious threat to Barney Frank’s re-election bid. On Tuesday, Frank lent his own campaign $200,000 — a significant chunk of cash for a Congressman who isn’t extremely wealthy compared to fellow members of Congress.

To put into perspective the remarkable turn of events, Frank has been representing Massachusetts’ 4th congressional district since 1981. That makes him a 15-term incumbent seeking a 16th term. The 4th district is usually a solid lefty district, with a Cook PVI of D+14. Even this year, he should be carrying the district easily.

And yet he’s reduced to calling in national Democratic support and lending large sums of money to his own campaign. Frank has even sent his boyfriend to heckle Bielat during a press event. And that’s without mentioning that former President Bill Clinton has had to hit the trail for Frank.

Hey, want to make Frank sweat even more? Send some support to Bielat’s campaign.