By Emily on 03/18/2010 @ 02:13 PM
Tags: Women's rights, 2010 Elections
Our new president, Stephanie Schriock, often says it's all about the numbers. In a great profile piece in Politico today, Stephanie pointed out that, despite the progress we've made since our founding 25 years ago, women still make up only 17% of Congress. And here at EMILY's List, that's just not good enough.
The article, which focuses on plans to grow our online community and reach out to the next generation of EMILY's List supporters, also touches on our goals for November -- keeping our incumbents in their offices and electing more women to their ranks.
Here's what Stephanie had to say:
"...I think the desire of women to be in office is such a powerful one for me. There’s a pragmatism that’s brought by someone who has to watch kids, manage households and deal with work. It’s a challenge and perspective we need even more so today.”
Click here to read the article.
By Emily on 03/18/2010 @ 11:18 AM
Tags: Alex Sink, FL-Gov, 2010 Elections
Gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink knows Florida is facing tough economic challenges -- and she's determined to do something about it.
Currently serving as the state's chief financial officer, Alex outlined her economic plans earlier this week, focusing on help for small businesses, job creation, and more efficient handling of the state's finances.
Here's what she had to say about her goals:
"I have a clear business plan to revive our economy in the short term and remake Florida in the long term. We will turn this economy around. With my 26-years of business experience, I understand how to engage our business community, our working families, our entrepreneurs and our governments in an all-out effort to get our state moving and working again."
By Emily on 03/18/2010 @ 11:08 AM
Tags: Diane Denish, NM-Gov, 2010 Elections
Great news from New Mexico! EMILY's List candidate Diane Denish officially received the Democratic nomination for governor over the weekend at the Democratic nominating convention in Santa Fe.
During her acceptance speech, Diane outlined the kind of leadership she plans to bring to the governor's office -- her "New Way Forward for New Mexico."
"People ask me why I would want to be governor when times are so tough? I tell them because now is when it matters most. Times are tough, no doubt about it -- but New Mexicans are tougher. We can't rely on Wall Street bailouts. We have to pull together like a family and kick-start the economic recovery ourselves. We must help small businesses expand by cutting red tape and invest in our workforce so that we can compete for the high-wage jobs of the future."
We're thrilled Diane can now look past this first step in the process and gear up for her general election.
By Emily on 03/12/2010 @ 10:24 AM
Tags: 2010 Elections, US House, Donna Edwards, Allyson Schwartz, Debbie Wasserman Schultz
When we say our women are cut out for leadership roles, we mean it. And we're certainly not the only ones who think so.
Earlier this week, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced new leadership for its Red to Blue program, which supports some of the top Democratic challengers in GOP-held seats around the country. EMILY's List alums Cong. Allyson Schwartz and Donna Edwards will be serving as two of the four program chairs. Also taking on new responsibility will be current DCCC Vice Chair Cong. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who will be working with Democratic incumbents this cycle.
We're not surprised to see our women stepping up to help where they're most needed!
By Emily on 03/09/2010 @ 06:07 PM
Tags: Deb Markowitz, VT-Gov, 2010 Elections
Yesterday, Vermont gubernatorial candidate Deb Markowitz kicked off her campaign, telling supporters exactly why she decided to run for governor:
"I am ready to lead this state, and together, with lots of energy, lots of smarts, lots of hard work and a little luck, we can jump-start Vermont, change Montpelier, grow jobs and build a strong future for our children."
Deb, who has served as Vermont's secretary of state since 1998, told supporters she understands the challenges facing the state , and she's ready to get down to business to create new jobs and help struggling Vermont families. With her
trademark smile, as the
Burlington Free Press noted, Deb said her experience and dedication make her the best candidate for the job. And based on comments from event attendees, other Vermonters are in agreement.
"We've known Deb for 10 years, and we are so impressed with her leadership. She is someone we can completely trust," supporter Christine Zachai told the
Free Press.
Recent polling has shown Deb is the Democrat in the race best positioned to beat the GOP's candidate, current Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie. But with 5 candidates in the primary race, Deb will need all our support to get her message out to voters and put this seat in Democratic hands.
Click here to make a direct and immediate contribution to Deb Markowitz today!
By Emily on 03/05/2010 @ 01:40 PM
Tags: Karen Bass, 2010 Elections, US House
Newly endorsed House candidate Karen Bass is off and running in California. Earlier this week, Karen picked up a key endorsement from Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Villaraigosa's support comes on the heels of endorsements from retiring incumbent Cong. Diane Watson and Cong. Maxine Waters (CA-35).
Here's what Villaraigosa had to say about Karen at the event at Los Angeles' City Hall:
“We need representation in the Congress that understands the needs of this city, the complexities of this city, the diversity of the city, and no one that I know truly understands those complexities, the diversity, the need for a fair share of resources like Karen Bass."
Karen is in a prime position to fill this Democratic-leaning seat, and we couldn't be more excited for her. But she's already drawn two primary opponents, and this won't be a clear path to victory.
You can help make sure Karen's campaign keeps running strong by making a contribution today!
By Emily on 03/05/2010 @ 01:23 PM
Tags: Betsy Markey, GOP Opponents, CO-04, U.S. House, 2010 Elections
Is there anything more affirming of our mission than this picture of four anti-choice Republican men vying to unseat our pro-choice Democratic woman, Cong. Betsy Markey (CO-04)?
Click here to learn more.
By Ellen R. Malcolm on 03/04/2010 @ 09:13 AM
Tags: 2010 Elections, U.S. Senate
Arkansas Senator Blanche Lincoln is fighting for her political survival. Republicans are in full attack mode, and polls indicate she's the most vulnerable Senate incumbent in the country.
Frankly, I'm not surprised.
As I travel around the country, I've been asked repeatedly about Senator Lincoln's political troubles and what, if anything, EMILY's List will be doing to help her win a third term in 2010.
My answer? Nothing.
In 1998, EMILY's List helped elect Lincoln to the U.S. Senate. We believed her when she told us that that, if and when the Senate took up right-wing Senator Rick Santorum's bill to ban what he called "partial birth" abortion, she would insist on a health exception that protects women.
Our members gave generously to her campaign, believing that she would steadfastly stand by the pledge she made to us to protect women's reproductive freedom.
She took our members' hard-earned money to get elected. Unfortunately, when the Santorum bill came up for a vote, Lincoln voted for it even though it provided no exception to protect women's health.
EMILY's List members are deeply committed to electing pro-choice Democratic women whom we trust to stand up for our rights, treat us honestly, and make us proud. Our candidates fight for us every day. Blanche Lincoln failed to hold up her end of the bargain.
Since she wasn't there for us, we won't be there for her.
EMILY's List withdrew support for Senator Lincoln in 1999 after she voted in favor of the so-called "partial birth abortion ban" and has not supported her since.
By Emily on 02/24/2010 @ 06:58 PM
Tags: Karen Bass, 2010 Elections, US House
Exciting news! Yesterday we announced our endorsement of Karen Bass for the open seat in CA-33.
Bass, who currently serves as speaker of the California Assembly, made history in 2008 when she became the first African American woman to hold the position of speaker of any state assembly. Supported by our Political Opportunity Program in her state races, EMILY's List is thrilled to see her taking on this next challenge.
Now, with the retirement of EMILY's List alum Cong. Diane Watson, Bass is poised to carry on the district's progressive legacy in Congress. Watson was quick to throw her support behind Bass, and we were happy to do the same.
Here's what EMILY's List President Stephanie Schriock had to say about the endorsement yesterday:
"While we are sorry to see Diane Watson retire, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to support Karen Bass for U.S. Congress. Karen has been an innovative Speaker of the Assembly in California. In the legislature, Karen has been a champion for better schools and health care reform. Under her leadership, the Assembly has worked to jumpstart projects that are stimulating California's economy. EMILY's List is proud to endorse Karen Bass for Congress."
You can help make sure Karen hits the ground running in this exciting race by contributing to her campaign today!
By Emily on 02/18/2010 @ 06:01 PM
Tags: Ann McLane Kuster, NH-02, US House, GOP Opponents, 2010 Elections
This just in from NH-02: Charlie Bass is in the running for the GOP nomination for this open seat. As a former Congressman, Bass is anything but a fresh face -- he held this seat from 1995 until 2007, after losing it to Democrat Paul Hodes. Now that Hodes is vacating the seat to run for Senate, Bass is eager to fill his old seat once again. He made his candidacy official yesterday, holding a kick-off campaign call with reporters.
EMILY's List candidate Annie McLane Kuster is already hard at work to get her message out to the district's voters and keep this open seat in Democratic hands this fall -- but as NH Political Report pointed out yesterday, Bass has an energized Republican base behind him, just as he did when he first announced his run for Congress in 1994.
We need Annie's voice in Congress -- and we certainly can't afford to watch this seat fall into Bass's hands. Just look at what he had to say about his thoughts on the Tea Party movement during his call yesterday:
“As far as the tea party movement is concerned I love ‘em. God bless every single one of them. Do you know what their agenda is? ...Exactly the same as mine."
In an email to Annie's supporters yesterday, Annie's campaign manager Colin Van Ostern said, "Unlike Congressman Bass’s plans to take our country backwards, Annie has a positive agenda for our country." And, based on some of the inconsistencies in Bass's record -- accusing President Obama of "coddling terrorists" when Bass himself voted against establishing the original 9/11 commission, for example -- there's no doubt we must act now to make sure Annie's positioned to win this race.
Click here to help Annie build the war chest she'll need to make sure the Bass/Tea Party agenda doesn't gain momentum in Congress!
By Emily on 02/12/2010 @ 05:50 PM
Tags: GOP Opponents, MO-Sen, Robin Carnahan, US Senate, 2010 Elections
If voters want something different, the GOP knows its Missouri Senate candidate doesn't have much to offer. That's why they've already resorted to attack ads against Democratic candidate and current Secretary of State Robin Carnahan.
More than 8 months from election day, and the GOP is already taking the gloves off, attempting to blame the country's woes on Robin. Robin has made a name for herself as a strong voice for reform who gets results and puts Missourians ahead of partisan bickering.
But that doesn't mean right-wing attacks -- and money -- aren't having an effect on the race. Recent polling shows the GOP's candidate, conservative loyalist Cong. Roy Blunt, with a slight lead in the race, making clear that we can't waste a moment helping Robin prepare for a tough battle.
Robin must work now to get her message out to voters and make sure she has the resources to fight back against right-wing attacks and win this seat.
Help Robin Carnahan fight back against GOP attacks!
By Emily on 02/12/2010 @ 03:54 PM
Tags: GOP Opponents, MO-Sen, Robin Carnahan, US Senate, 2010 Elections
"A cast of insiders."
That's what Marc Ambinder called a number of GOP candidates in key races this election cycle. In a recent post on The Atlantic's Politics blog, Ambinder said exactly what we've been noticing in tight races across the country -- tried-and-true GOP loyalists repeating much of the same mantra we've heard before (renegotiating that Contract with America, anyone?).
In particular, Ambinder zeroed in on the Senate race in Missouri, where Secretary of State Robin Carnahan is facing GOP Cong. Roy Blunt, a former member of the Republican House leadership that backed President Bush's agenda.
Here's what Ambinder had to say: "In Missouri, Senate candidate Roy Blunt is to Washington insider like Sammy Davis, Jr. is to rat pack." And, with all the talk of independent action coming from the Republican party, Ambinder pointed out that Blunt's "insider-y-ness" might be the opposite of what voters are looking for. "...[I]f independents are truly independent in November, and if they turn out, Blunt will not win their hearts or minds without a big fight."
This is good news for Robin, a proven vote-getter who knows how to get results when it comes to protecting consumers from fraud and waste. But Blunt's party connections and special interest ties will mean major financial support from conservatives.
Already, Blunt has called in political favors from top GOPers, including Bush ally Karl Rove. Rove even boasted about his personal donation to Blunt in the Wall Street Journal.
In a message to her supporters this week, Robin pointed out exactly why the Blunt/Rove friendship makes for such a natural pairing: "Karl Rove and Congressman Blunt are both Washington insiders infamous for doing favors for lobbyists and their too-big-to-fail Wall Street friends...yes, the same people whose reckless spending drove our country to the brink of financial disaster, leaving us to pay the bill."
Click here to make a direct and immediate contribution to Robin Carnahan today!
By Emily on 02/09/2010 @ 04:18 PM
Tags: GOP Opponents, 2010 Elections, Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, Dina Titus, Debbie Halvorson, Colleen Hanabusa
Some groups call them "rising stars." Others call them "races to watch." Republicans call them "Young Guns." Go figure.
We've been keeping you updated on developments in the NRCC's "Young Guns" program, designed to recruit and train GOP prospects in high-priority open-seat and challenger races. The three-level program ranks candidates in tiers as "On the Radar," "Contenders," and "Young Guns." Candidates' rankings are based on benchmarks such as fundraising, media plans, and grassroots organizing, according to CQ Politics.
The NRCC announced this week that they're adding a new batch of candidates to the program, including three opponents hoping to challenge EMILY's List women. Blake Curd is running to defeat EMILY's List alum Cong. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (SD-AL) , while Joe Heck is in the race against Cong. Dina Titus (NV-03). And in Arizona's first district, Paul Gosar is looking to take on Cong. Ann Kirkpatrick. Curd, Heck, and Gosar were added to the first step of the program -- "0n the Radar" -- this week.
Two other opponents of EMILY's List women were bumped up to the second part of the NRCC program -- the "contender" level. Honolulu City Councilman Charles Djou, called "the next Scott Brown" by a number of right-wingers, will face off in a three-way special election with EMILY's List candidate Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01) as early as May. Cong. Debbie Halvorson's opponent in Illinois's third district, Adam Kinzinger, is fresh off his primary win in Illinois last week. He was also bumped up to the "contender" level of the program.
There's no doubt the NRCC and their recruits are gearing up for tough battles this fall. With momentum building and the prospect of making gains in Congress, Republicans are eager to do what it takes to win back seats. That's why all of our women will be counting on EMILY's List members around the country to help them keep their seats in the Democratic column.
By Emily on 02/05/2010 @ 02:08 PM
Tags: POP, 2010 Elections
EMILY's List's Political Opportunity Program (POP) had plenty to celebrate this week, following big wins in the primary elections in Illinois. All three of our endorsed POP candidates -- two in state House contests and one for state treasurer -- won their primaries and are headed on to the general election this November.
POP, which supports pro-choice Democratic women candidates at the state and local levels, provides strategic guidance as candidates set up their campaigns and run competitive races. For our three candidates in Illinois, POP certainly made a difference.
I spoke with Regional POP Director Muthoni Wambu to get her take on Tuesday's races:
Robin Kelly, State Treasurer
Robin won this statewide primary race 58-42%. If she wins the general election against a well-funded Republican state senator who ran unopposed in the primary, Robin will be the first African American woman to hold this statewide position.
Muthoni's take: We worked closely with the Kelly campaign and the hardworking team she’s assembled. We'll be very active with Robin's campaign as we move forward to the general election. ... Just as POP helped Lisa Madigan become the state's first woman attorney general, we're firmly committed to helping Robin become the first African American woman to hold a statewide constitutional office in Illinois.
Ann Williams, House District 11
Former assistant attorney general Ann Williams won with 46% of the vote in a hard-fought three-way primary. This is an open-seat race in a strongly Democratic district.
Muthoni's take: This is a redrawn district, and Ann is the first woman to hold this seat since it was redrawn. Ann ran a strong race and has great potential. We'll still be working very closely with her moving forward.
Robyn Gabel, House District 18
Robyn Gabel, executive director of the nonprofit Illinois Maternal & Child Health Coalition, won a hotly contested 5-way race with 27.5% of the vote. Robyn earned the support of EMILY's List alum Cong. Jan Schakowsky, who held the seat previously.
Muthoni's take: We were happy to lend a hand in Robyn's race. For both Robyn and Ann, the campaigns really felt the EMILY's List endorsement carried a lot of weight and helped win over women voters. Robyn's district has a strong history of electing women, and I think our involvement made a difference for her in this race.
By Emily on 02/03/2010 @ 02:54 PM
Tags: MN-Gov, 2010 Elections, Margaret Anderson Kelliher
Margaret Anderson Kelliher is already starting to break away from the pack.
Margaret, running to fill the open seat of outgoing MInnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R), emerged as one of the frontrunners in yesterday's straw poll of Democratic caucus participants. The straw poll is a critical first step in the state's unique caucusing process, identifying the strongest candidates in an early nonbinding vote. In last night's field of 11 potential Democratic candidates, Margaret and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak had the most straw poll votes.
This strong start doesn't mean Margaret will have an easy path to the nod from the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party, however. Two of Margaret's opponents are multi-millionaire self-funders, and this race is expected to be the most expensive gubernatorial election in Minnesota's history.
Learn more about Margaret's race here.
By Emily on 01/28/2010 @ 11:14 AM
Tags: Diane Denish, NM-Gov, 2010 Elections
Lt. Gov. Diane Denish knows that the more open and accountable a government is, the better it runs. That's why she announced her support this week of a bill to make information about New Mexico's government available online.
The bill would create a "Sunshine Portal," mandating that the state's Department of Information Technology create a website for information such as revenues from fees and taxes and the operating budgets and monthly expenditures of state agencies. The site would also include a directory of jobs and salaries for government employees.
In an email to supporters, Denish explained why she's backing the measure:
I support the creation of a Sunshine Portal because I believe the people have a right to easily access information related to how their tax dollars are being spent. The Sunshine Portal is a huge step towards greater accountability to bolster the public's confidence in their government.
The Sunshine Portal is an idea whose time has come. It is clearly a new way of governing that I am committed to fighting for.
By Emily on 01/26/2010 @ 05:27 PM
Tags: 2010 Elections, US House, US Senate
When it comes to something new and different, the GOP doesn't seem interested.
It's been more than a decade since Republicans kicked off their "Contract with America" campaign, and it looks like they're eager to revisit a tried-and-true approach.
Newt Gingrich and the Tea Party activists both want a new contract, and House Minority Leader John Boehner reportedly just hired one of the architects of the original one. While they may not get points for creativity, this latest blast from the past is just one more reminder that we can't let this year's elections become the new 1994.
When the GOP first pushed out their Contract with America, it coincided with major Democratic losses at the polls during midterm elections -- while many Democratic voters stayed home. This year, we're once again up against tough midterms and a GOP desperate to gain power.
We're confident our women candidates have what it takes to win this November and help Democrats maintain our majorities in Congress. But they can't do it alone. It's up to us to make sure they have the resources they need to fight right-wing attacks, get supporters to the polls, and make sure our country isn't signed on for any GOP contract that might come our way.
By Emily on 01/25/2010 @ 03:32 PM
Tags: Julie Hamos, IL-10, US House, 2010 Elections
Julie Hamos has the endorsements, legislative know-how, and top-notch campaign staff to pull off a win just eight days from today -- but this highly-watched primary will come down to every last vote.
Running in Illinois's 10th congressional district, Julie is the best candidate to win his GOP-held seat for Democrats in November. With the backing of the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times, Julie has certainly been getting good press in recent weeks. Julie's primary opponent has run for this same seat twice and lost in the general election both times. And, although Julie is working hard to mobilize her supporters and put this seat in the Democratic column, we know voter turnout will decide this race. Ads in the Chicago media market don't come cheap, and Julie's final outreach to voters will be critical on the airwaves.
Make a direct and immediate contribution to Julie Hamos's campaign today and help her get her voters to the polls next Tuesday!
By Emily on 01/20/2010 @ 02:11 PM
Tags: Julie Hamos, IL-10, 2010 Elections
Only days after landing the endorsement of the Chicago Tribune, IL-10 candidate Julie Hamos has picked up another important newspaper endorsement, this time from the Chicago Sun-Times.
Calling their pick of Hamos in the Feb. 2 primary an "easy call," the Sun-Times said Hamos has "more than earned your vote" with her experience and leadership.
Here's what they had to say:
Hamos' qualifications are excellent. In an Illinois House controlled by one man -- Speaker Mike Madigan -- she has been an impressively independent and yet effective legislator since arriving in Springfield in 1998.
Two years ago, she was the brains and energy behind a successful scheme to fund the Chicago area transit system to keep the buses and trains moving. She pioneered electronic health records as state policy. She passed legislation to create a statewide energy-efficient building code, even getting homebuilder groups on board. She has been a leader in efforts to keep dangerous invasive species, such as Asian carp, from entering the Great Lakes.
Hamos has experience on Capitol Hill. She was a staff attorney for a House Ways and Means subcommittee. A lawyer, she worked for the Cook County state's attorney's office for most of the 1980s.
Hamos came to the United States as a refugee. Her family escaped from Hungary in the dead of night during the 1956 Revolution. It is that experience, she says, that instilled in her the "courage to fight for principles and a commitment to democracy and opportunity in America."
Julie Hamos has more than earned your vote.
These big
endorsements certainly show that Julie has what it takes to win this race -- and now she's counting on us to make sure she has the resources to get her message out to voters.
Click here to contribute to Julie Hamos today!
By Emily on 01/19/2010 @ 10:31 PM
Tags: Gabrielle Giffords, US House, 2010 Elections
Looks like GOP candidates are lining up to take on EMILY's List alum Cong. Gabrielle Giffords in Arizona's 8th congressional district. CQ Politics reported today that Republican state Sen. Jonathan Paton entered the race this weekend, hoping to unseat Giffords this fall.
Already, there are a number of GOP candidates in the race, but CQ calls Paton "by far the most seasoned politician" of Giffords potential opponents.
Fortunately, Giffords is up for the challenge. A recognized leader in the House, she's been a leader on key committees including the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees. And Arizona Democrats are ready to make sure Giffords keeps this seat in Democratic hands.
CQ Politics still rates the race “likely Democratic,” but Giffords won’t take anything for granted and will continue to work hard for her district.
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