Week of August 12, 2004

Betty Castor attacked as primary opponents try to close in on her lead

There are just 19 days left until the August 31 primary race for Florida's open Senate seat! The Miami Herald recently endorsed Betty Castor, saying "Sen. Graham's retirement leaves big shoes to fill... Ms. Castor can best fit that role....She is level-headed, committed and has more than 30 years of experience in public life." And The Palm Beach Post touted Castor's experience and knowledge of key issues while criticizing her main Democratic challenger, "For all of Rep. [Peter] Deutsch's experience, he has spent more time attacking his opponents than discussing his record." Deutsch is launching relentless attacks against Castor's credibility and EMILY's List for supporting her candidacy.

Betty Castor urgently needs $90,000 this week to stay on the air with her positive message to voters. Betty can win, but only with our help.

The latest news and commentary on Team EMILY

Didn't make it to Boston for the Democratic National Convention? Don't despair! Team EMILY is jam-packed with highlights. Check out www.teamemily.org now and you'll find a recent online chat with California Sen. Barbara Boxer, as well as photos from the Convention floor and our star-studded EMILY's List luncheon featuring former Texas Gov. Ann Richards, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, EMILY's List President Ellen Malcolm and Maryland Sen. Barbara Mikulski! You can also view blog entries from EMILY's List staff and special guests who sent updates from the ground. Get on the Team by registering to join our interactive, online community today!

Keep the spirit of the Convention alive! With your contribution of $100 or more to EMILY's List WOMEN VOTE!, you'll receive a limited-edition convention t-shirt, buttons from Team EMILY, and a Boston '04 lapel pin. You'll help fund EMILY's List's efforts to mobilize women voters and send the message that you support pro-choice Democratic women candidates across the country. Get your Convention Kit today!

Stunning POP victories across the Midwest

EMILY's List's Political Opportunity Program (POP) is celebrating thrilling primary victories in three states across the Midwest this month! Missouri delivered four wins last week: Bekki Cook, known for her work to protect seniors from fraud, won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor, while three other rising stars won state legislative primaries. Kansas wasn't far behind with two more exciting wins; Laura Kelly and Jan Justice both won competitive primaries. Michigan's Pam Byrnes also claimed victory last week in a three-way primary for the 52nd House district with the help of the POP program.

EMILY's List's Political Opportunity Program was developed to help elect dynamic pro-choice Democratic women candidates like these win seats in local and state government. Gaining valuable political experience will help these outstanding women move forward in their careers and help EMILY's List change the face of power nationwide.

Recent Campaign Corps graduates now on the ground in key races

In July, EMILY's List put 40 talented Campaign Corps recruits through an intense week of campaign school and then sent them off to important state and federal campaigns across the country. Read exciting stories, fresh off the campaign trail, on the Team EMILY blog.