Dana C. Jones

Research Director

As research director, Dana manages the research staff on all EMILY's List endorsed candidate, opposition, issue, institutional, and legislative research. She works with fellow senior staff members in strategic decisions for EMILY's List. During the 2006 and 2004 cycle, Dana was the political research director, overseeing the research for EMILY's List independent expenditure, WOMEN VOTE!, and the Political Opportunity Program. This research was used in EMILY's List polling, hundreds of direct mail pieces, radio ads, press, and strategy.

In the 2002 election cycle, Dana was a senior researcher at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. She produced opposition and issue-based research for several high profile congressional races in the mid-Atlantic and southern states. Previously, Jones served as a legislative assistant to then-Congressman Benjamin Cardin (MD-3) on Capitol Hill for over two years where she directed legislative strategy on a variety of issues.

Dana served as legislative director to Delegate Bobby Zirkin in the 11th legislative district of Maryland. She successfully managed his 1998 campaign where he was a challenger in a six-way race. Zirkin won the democratic primary by 96 votes.

Dana grew up in Cumberland -- the far western end of Maryland. She received her B.S. in Sociology from Towson University in Maryland. Dana and her husband live in Washington, D.C. where they enjoy spoiling their golden retriever Nola (named for the city where they married).

1. What blog do you read everyday?

Taegan Goddard’s Political Wire
The Huffington Post
Shenanigans, Politico
Hotline On Call
The Fix, Chris Cillizza Washington Post

2. How did you end up working at EMILY’s List?

Six years ago I heard there was a research opening at EL -- I had always wanted to work there so the news of an opening was very exciting. I applied and was lucky enough to get the position. I’ve been here since :)

3. What is your most memorable moment in politics?

It's hard to pick. There have been many memorable moments. I have to choose my oldest.

1984 presidential returns -- I was 8 years old watching with my family as the results came in on election night. I was so excited that Geraldine Ferraro was running for Vice President -- I couldn’t wait to have the first woman Vice President. As it became clear that the race wasn’t going the way our household had hoped, I turned to my mother and asked "What are these other states' problem!? Aren’t there other women voters living in these states who are as excited as we are about Geraldine!!??” It was my first heartbreaking loss in campaign politics.

4. What's the best advice you've ever received?

Check, double check, then later you should check it again.
-JF, 2001

5. Who are the people you most admire?

Moriah & Phillip Jones, Mary Beth Cahill, Tina Fey, Madeleine Albright, Helen Thomas

6. What do you think is in store for the 2010 election cycle?

A more difficult fight for some of our House seats than many Democratic voters realize. Stay active -- stay involved!