Week of May 24, 2007
Clinton launches 'Make History' tour
Women voters are the largest segment of the electorate and a critical part of Sen. Hillary Clinton's base of support in her historic campaign to become the 44th president of the United States. As part of her effort to mobilize women voters, Clinton is launching the "Club 44 Make History Tour," which kicks off in Washington, D.C., on June 6. The event, a block party with music, booths, and live entertainment, is only $20 to attend and free to people under the age of 18, making it a great opportunity for women to bring their daughters to meet the Democratic frontrunner, who is strongly positioned to become the first woman president of the United States.
Join EMILY's List and hundreds of other supporters to demonstrate support for Hillary Clinton's campaign and help her make history by becoming the nation's 44th president.
EMILY's List endorses Niki Tsongas for MA-05 special election
EMILY's List is proud to announce its endorsement of Niki Tsongas in Massachusetts's fifth congressional district. As dean of external affairs at Middlesex Community College, an attorney, and a member of numerous civic organizations, Tsongas has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to public service and improving the lives of others. If elected, Tsongas would be the first Democratic woman elected to the Massachusetts congressional delegation in over 30 years.
"Niki Tsongas has committed her life to serving others and will continue this exceptional legacy in the United States Congress ... Niki will be a strong voice for the fifth district," said EMILY's List President Ellen R. Malcolm.
Update on Florida's 13th congressional district fiasco
The House Administrative Committee took big steps toward investigating the election results in Florida's 13th congressional district in which voting machine errors were likely responsible for more than 18,000 undervotes in Sarasota County. Democrat Christine Jennings, who has challenged the results in Congress and in Florida courts, is hopeful that the House task force will intervene and overturn the election.
Jennings is determined to stand up for the rights of voters whose voices have potentially been silenced. She has continually spoken out on election reform issues and her efforts have paid off. Governor Charlie Crist recently signed Florida's election reform bill and now paperless, touch screen voting is a thing of the past.
With approximately 40 percent of registered voters in the United States using privately controlled voting systems similar to the one used in FL-13, the outcome of Jennings's challenge could have far-ranging repercussions.
POP victories in Philadelphia
EMILY's List's Political Opportunity Program (POP) helped two women come out on top in the May 15 Democratic primary for Philadelphia City Council. POP candidate Maria Quinones Sanchez, former regional director for the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration and a veteran activist, defeated incumbent Councilman Daniel Savage in the seventh district. Sanchez, who had received a strong endorsement from Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D), received over 52 percent of the vote, compared to 41 percent for Savage.
POP candidate and Philadelphia Councilwoman Marian Tasco trounced three opponents in the ninth district with 72 percent of the vote. Tasco, a five-term council member, made a splash last year by taking on the banking industry and successfully fighting for passage of an anti-predatory lending bill.
With no Republican opponent in November for Tasco and Sanchez-Quinones in a safely Democratic district, both POP winners are virtually assured a seat come November.
A win for women's health in Oregon
Elected officials previously supported by POP in Oregon scored an important legislative victory last week with successful passage of the Access to Birth Control Act, which will require private health insurers offering drug coverage to include prescription contraceptives, such as the birth control pill or hormone patch, and require hospitals to offer emergency contraception to sexual assault victims. The measure passed in the Oregon Senate last week under the leadership of state Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown, a previously supported POP candidate. The state House had already passed the bill, which Democratic Gov. Ted Kulongoski has pledged to sign.