EMILY's List Announces Endorsement of Rep. Melissa Bean in Illinois' 8th Congressional District

Washington, DC -- EMILY's List, the largest financial resource for women running for elected office, today announced its support for Rep. Melissa Bean in her bid for re-election to the United States House. EMILY's List will recommend Melissa Bean to its members nationwide, opening the door to tens of thousands of donors who consider it extremely important to send this hard-working Congresswoman back to Washington for a third term.

"Melissa Bean epitomizes the kind of practical leadership we need in Congress," said Ellen R. Malcolm, president of EMILY's List. "She understands her district and will to stand up and fight for working families, small business owners, and local communities. The Republican Party insists that Rep. Bean remains a top target in 2008 and EMILY's List will vigorously defend her re-election. It is vital that Rep. Bean remain in the United States House and continue to represent the 8th district."

First elected in 2004, Rep. Bean is a demonstrated leader and has used her extensive background as a businesswoman and active community member to best serve her district in Congress. While in office, Rep. Bean has worked to protect our families, support small business, encourage fiscal responsibility, and protect America's future by supporting national defense and strengthening homeland security. In addition to obtaining considerable funding for local transportation improvements, Rep. Bean has secured millions of dollars in federal funding for local environmental protection projects and for police and firefighters in the district.

She is the first Democrat to represent this competitive northern Illinois district since its formation in 1935 and, as a member of the Blue Dog Coalition and the New Democrat Coalition, she continues to be a strong, independent voice for her district. She currently serves on the House Committee on Small Business, where she is Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Tax, Finance, and Exports. She also serves on the House Financial Services Committee.

"I am very proud to once again have the support of EMILY's List and their members," said Rep. Bean. "I have had the honor of serving in the United States House for two terms, working as an advocate for the 8th district and making tough decisions based on the needs of my constituents and all Americans. I look forward to continuing this rewarding and important work in 2008."

With more than 100,000 members across the country, EMILY's List is the largest political action committee in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY's List has raised over $240 million to elect 68 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 13 to the U.S. Senate, and eight governors. Over the course of 22 years, EMILY's List has helped elect hundreds of pro-choice Democratic women to federal office, state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices.

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