First up is the Keystone state: we’re not sure even Sorkin could have written a character quite like Pennsylvania’s far-right Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick. Defeated in 2006 by Democrat Patrick Murphy, Fitzpatrick won this swing seat back in 2010, and celebrated by skipping the House’s swearing-in ceremony to hold an alleged fundraiser. He then attempted to belatedly take the oath of office by raising his hand to a television broadcast of Speaker John Boehner before rushing off to cast votes that were later stricken because he wasn’t yet officially a member of the new Congress. Calling Fitzpatrick “cynical or clueless,” the Philly Inquirer opined, “Fitzpatrick has less than two years to live down this episode.” Enter Kathryn Boockvar, the attorney and community activist ready to send Fitzpatrick packing for a second time.

Kathryn, who has spent her career helping Pennsylvania families with Social Security benefits, unemployment insurance, abuse and other crises, presents a stark contrast to the freewheeling Fitzpatrick. A committed civil rights advocate named the Pennsylvania Bar’s “Rising Super-Star Lawyer” three years in a row, Kathryn served as a senior attorney in the nonpartisan Advancement Project’s voting rights division. She’s a proven fundraiser who can win the 8th district back for Democrats – but she’ll need our support to go up against national Republicans determined to hold this seat.

In Arizona, where a contentious redistricting battle appears to be nearing completion, we’re thrilled to back former State Sen. Kyrsten Sinema for the new 9th district seat. Kyrsten is a four-term state legislator who has pushed measures to promote renewable energy and improve services for the state’s veterans and their families. A thorn in right-wing GOP Gov. Jan Brewer’s side, Kyrsten loudly and publicly opposed the Governor’s draconian immigration law as “onerous” and “unconstitutional.” She has consistently fought to preserve a woman’s right to choose against numerous extremist, anti-choice measures – earning Planned Parenthood’s 2006 Legislative CHOICE award.

Kyrsten has also emerged as one of the state’s premier grassroots organizers; in 2006 she chaired Arizona Together, the country’s lone successful effort to defeat a ballot initiative banning same-sex marriage. In 2008, she chaired the Protect Arizona’s Freedom coalition, which blocked Ward Connerly’s push for a ballot initiative eliminating equal opportunity programs. Ben Quayle’s (yup that’s Dan Quayle’s son) recent decision to face off against fellow GOP Rep. Dave Schweikert rather than run in the new 9th is an encouraging sign for Democrats – but Kyrsten will first need to win a tough primary against the former state Party chair and the state Senate’s Minority Leader, both of whom are men.

Finally, in California, Lori Saldaña, a San Diego native, former teacher and three-term state assemblywoman running to unseat GOP Rep. Brian Bilbray in the redistricted – and more Democratic – 52nd district. A longtime environmental champion, she co-founded San Diego’s first Earth Day celebration and coauthored the Golden State’s groundbreaking global warming law. She turned her experiences in a career military family into pioneering legislation to expand mental health services and educational opportunities for veterans and their families. And yes, when teaching jobs were scarce, she worked as a carpenter’s apprentice – an experience she would later channel into a commitment to vocational training and workforce development.

For his part, Bilbray, a retread who lost in 2000 to Rep. Susan Davis but returned to the House after a 2006 special election, has done precious little in the past five years to distinguish himself from his right-wing cohorts. Complicating matters further is California’s new open primary law, under which the top two primary vote-getters, regardless of party, will face off in November – making our early and strong support for Lori absolutely critical.

Redistricting has, as contentious and hyperpartisan as it has been in most states, created a number of exciting opportunities for 2012. Lori Saldaña, Kathy Boockvar, and Kyrsten Sinema are three candidates ready to seize their respective moments – they just need our strong and immediate support!

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Jess McIntosh on the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Backlash

Politics over Women’s Health?

On standing up for Roe

On Tuesday morning, Susan G. Komen Vice President Karen Handel announced she was resigning over last week’s decision to cut funding (and then reinstate it) to Planned Parenthood.

Despite Komen’s attempts to climb out of the massive PR hole they dug for themselves, as recently as yesterday, Mitt Romney decided to bring his own shovel and dig deeper.

The GOP presidential hopeful said, "I also feel that the government should cut off funding to Planned Parenthood. Look, the idea that we're subsidizing an institution which is providing abortion, in my view, is wrong. Planned Parenthood ought to stand on their own feet, and should not get government subsidy."

Yikes. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg with Romney. Check out the EMILY’s List GOP Presidential Scorecard to learn about Romney’s other positions on issues that most affect women and families.

EMILY’s List President, Stephanie Schriock responded, “American women notice when you care more about winning a primary than you care about their health. We’re watching, we vote, and we’re going to re-elect President Obama and send even more Democratic women to Congress to build a more progressive America.”

To find about more about EMILY’s List’s position on the Komen saga, make sure you watch Jess McIntosh on Countdown with Keith Olbermann.

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Jess McIntosh on the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Backlash

Politics over Women’s Health?

On standing up for Roe

On Sunday, Pete Hoekstra aired an ad during the Super Bowl against his opponent, EMILY’s List candidate Sen. Debbie Stabenow. With the wordsmith skills of a clever 10 year-old, Hoekstra used a play on words, changing Stabenow’s name to Spend-it-now.

But wait, it gets worse. The xenophobic ad portrays a young Chinese woman speaking in broken English about the growth of her country’s economy. The video directs viewers to an even more racially insensitive website that continues the theme. Even Republican consultant Mike Murphy tweeted, “Pete Hoekstra Superbowl TV ad in MI Senate race really, really dumb. I mean really.”

Hoekstra’s accusations couldn’t be more off base. While he’s busy stirring up negative racial stereotypes, Debbie Stabenow remains a champion for the middle class. She’s keeping her focus on what matters – Michigan families, health care and jobs.

Self-dubbed Pete ‘spend-it-not’ Hoekstra actually spent $75,000 just to air the ad statewide one time during the Super Bowl, and the ad will air for two more weeks in every Michigan television market. He’s demonstrated that he’ll do anything – even make sweeping, offensive racial judgments – in order to win.

To phrase this in a way that Pete Hoekstra could understand, let’s Stab-e-not let that happen.

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Jess McIntosh on the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Backlash

Politics over Women’s Health?

On standing up for Roe

Last week, Susan G. Komen for the Cure made the now infamous decision to cut its funding for Planned Parenthood. We, along with activists across the country, were outraged, and demanded that Komen restore funding for the critical breast cancer screening services that Planned Parenthood provides for women.

EMILY’s List’s own Jess McIntosh was on Countdown with Keith Olbermann Friday night to discuss the issue. "Women are sick of having to fight back every time our health care is threatened," McIntosh said. And the best way to fix that? "Electing more pro-choice Democratic women in the first place."

Watch the full interview here:

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Politics over Women’s Health?

On standing up for Roe

On the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, commit to a 40th

You would think that an organization dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer would do everything in its power to make sure that women have access to cancer screenings and mammograms. But apparently that isn’t the case.

Earlier in the week, The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation halted all funding for Planned Parenthood.

This money was vital for Planned Parenthood – it allowed the organization to provide nearly 170,000 clinical breast exams and referrals for more than 6,400 mammograms over the past five years. This is preventative care that saves lives.

But under pressure from anti-choice groups and Congressional Republicans, Komen pulled its funding - with folks like right-wing senator David Vitter taking credit. And now tens of thousands of women could be at risk.

This War on Women must stop – women’s lives are at stake. Tell the GOP to stop playing politics: it’s time to put women’s health first!

“It’s hard to understand how an organization with whom we share a mission of saving women’s lives could have bowed to this kind of bullying,” said Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

In this Congress, we’ve seen an all out assault on women from the GOP, and this is just the latest fallout.

But our women in Congress are speaking out and fighting back. Here are a few of their statements:

"I was perplexed and troubled to see the decision by Susan G. Komen for the Cure to cut off funding for life-saving breast cancer screenings through Planned Parenthood because of a political witch hunt by House Republicans. I truly hope that they will reconsider this decision and put the needs of women first." – Sen. Barbara Boxer

“I'm troubled by the decision by the Susan G. Komen Foundation to end support of cancer screenings for thousands of women through Planned Parenthood. These women who depend on Planned Parenthood for cancer screening, education, and prevention shouldn't pay the price for this misguided decision.” – Sen. Patty Murray

"I see the Komen Foundation declaring war on women's health. Planned Parenthood has done everything they've been asked to do. And with their own private money, with 3 percent of their services or less, they do abortions, which the last I heard were still legal in this country." – Rep. Diana DeGette

And don’t miss this impassioned speech from Rep, Jackie Speier on the House floor,

Our women are doing everything they can to stop the attacks on women’s health. But we need more of them! And we can do it in 2012 with our amazing line-up of Democratic women candidates who will help us hold the Senate and take back the House. Learn more here: WHY 2012

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On standing up for Roe

On the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, commit to a 40th

The GOP: (un)Shockingly Scorning Women Again

I'm so excited that in 2012 we have more women running for the US Senate than ever before, which means that the support of organizations such as EMILY's List will be more important than ever. This election cycle, EMILY's List will be supporting a record number of women -- and I am so proud to be among them. From Elizabeth Warren in Massachusetts to Mazie Hirono in Hawaii to our record 6 women running for re-election to the Senate all around the country, I know that the women running this year will serve as a catalyst for change in Washington. As more and more women get off the sidelines, run for office and win, women will provide the strength and leadership Washington needs to get our nation back on the right path.

We all know that Washington is not working the way it should -- the way our families and the middle class need it to. That's why I created Off The Sidelines as a call to action to women to get involved in the political process and make their voices heard. Whether it's registering to vote, volunteering for a candidate who shares your values or running for office yourself, it's so important that women realize that they can make a difference and that their voices matter.

Throughout its history, EMILY's List women have made groundbreaking progress on the most critical issues such as education, the economy, health care, employment protection, national security, the environment and minimum wage. As the number of women in office grows, not only will we move one step closer to equal representation in Congress, but we'll also move toward a fairer, safer and more progressive America. Currently, women make up just 17 percent of Congress. This needs to change now and we have a terrific opportunity in 2012 to make great gains. So let's commit to do everything we can to make 2012 Women's Historic Year and bring a surge of new women into Congress. Because when more women are at the decision making table, the range of discussions is more diverse, and the outcomes are often better as a result. That means better policies for our families, for our communities and for all Americans.

As mothers, sisters and daughters who support women's rights and family values, women offer a different and much needed perspective and approach to solving problems, creating positive change, and simply getting things done. As my colleague Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) once quipped, "Kirsten, if you and I were negotiating the budget we would have gotten it done a week ago." I could not agree more. Let's make a difference and get more women off the sidelines and into public office today.

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WHY 2012: Firsts

Betty Sutton on protecting American jobs

Women providing real solutions

I have witnessed firsthand how EMILY's List women have made groundbreaking progress as leaders on the critical issues that affect women and families in all facets of our lives. Since being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006, I have made it a priority to focus on job creation and improving the state of our nation's economy. I support progressive legislation that improves the quality of life of my constituents by working to strengthen our education, transportation and infrastructure systems. And I fight tooth and nail against Republican anti-family, anti-woman legislation. Now, in 2012, as I proudly run for Senator, I will continue to fight on behalf of the women and families in Hawaii as I have in Congress for years.

We all know that our nation faces tough decisions, and I believe it is important to elect more progressive women into office. Women's leadership brings change, a willingness to focus on results and the ability to get things done. When there are more progressive women in office -- and there will be -- not only will the culture of Washington improve, but the quality of life for our constituents will improve as we stand up for a better America.

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VIDEO: Suzanne's big thank you

Betty Sutton on protecting American jobs

Women providing real solutions

We have a lot to celebrate today! Suzanne's big win last night is just one of the pieces of what's shaping up to be an historic year for women. With three special election wins this cycle and a fantastic number of EMILY's List candidates, we have the chance to make 2012 the Year of the Woman all over again!

Watch Suzanne's personal thank you to EMILY's List supporters right here. You truly made the difference in this race, and with this win, you're helping us get that much closer to taking back the House and helping us build a progressive America.

Thank you so much, from all of us at EMILY's List.

Betty represents the steel region of Northeast Ohio – an area where women and families have been particularly hard hit by the recession. The American Jobs First Initiative is designed to keep manufacturing jobs in America, protecting the pocketbooks of working families throughout Ohio.

We're thrilled by Betty's ongoing commitment to her home state and are right with her as she runs for re-election in Ohio's newly-drawn 16th congressional district.

Watch the entire interview below and learn more about Betty's race here.

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Women providing real solutions

On standing up for Roe

Bev Perdue, a rare breed

“We need to let President Obama, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, and my dear friend the chairman of the Democrat National Committee, we need to let them know that Florida ain't on the table…Take your message of equality of achievement, take your message of economic dependency, take your message of enslaving the entrepreneurial will and spirit of the American people somewhere else. You can take it to Europe, you can take it to the bottom of the sea, you can take it to the North Pole, but get the hell out of the United States of America."

I’m glad he really did not hold back this time…

This is just the latest sound bite from a man who seems to have no filter. If he’s not calling Obama’s supporters a “threat to the gene pool” or voting lock step with the GOP’s War on Women, then he must be calling Debbie Wasserman Schultz “the most vile, unprofessional and despicable member of the U.S. House of Representatives.”

Americans have repeatedly asked Congress to protect Medicare and create jobs, but Allen West’s record shows that he is more interested in pushing his extremist views that do nothing but push the divisive politics of the Tea Party.

It is time that his voters sent him a message: Stop this crazy talk and start representing us.

That is why at EMILYs List, we are proud to support Lois Frankel. Not only does she have a track record of supporting businesses and creating jobs, she will work to protect women and families against the extremist Tea Party agenda.

Help support Lois Frankel today and get Allen West’s crazy train out of Congress.

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On standing up for Roe

On the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, commit to a 40th

The GOP: (un)Shockingly Scorning Women Again

Elizabeth Warren has always looked out for middle class families. Warren had the backs of middle class families when she fought tooth and nail to protect taxpayers through the Troubled Asset Relief Program. She stood strong for working women and men when she worked to create and implement the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Before Warren's efforts, women were more often targeted in the subprime mortgage market. Women were more likely than men to get these unfair loans, but Warren's efforts ensured future protections for women and men. Warren has fought for women and working families throughout her career, and she will no doubt be their voice and champion in the U.S. Senate.

In Connecticut, U.S. Senate candidate Susan Bysiewicz is the only person running in her primary who has a plan that will keep Americans from being exploited again by Wall Street and big banks. The past few weeks, she he has been rolling out her "Accountability Plan" which will make sure middle class families no longer pay a higher tax rate than the wealthiest Americans and finally hold politicians accountable, making them actually answer to the people they claim to represent.

And holding down the trend in the House is Cheri Bustos who is focusing on getting people in her district back to work. "Nobody's going to be bringing jobs back out of the goodness of their hearts," she said. "There's enough buy-in from people running for Congress … to be able to work together and make things happen." Her plan to create a "manufacturing triangle" between Rockford, the Quad Cities, and Peoria will refocus the district on innovation and manufacturing, combined with writing tax code incentives and penalties into law to stop companies from moving American jobs overseas, will help produce jobs for the people in her district and Americans across the country.

EMILY's List women are working hard to create jobs because we can't wait any longer. We need a change now and Americans deserve a Congress that understands their needs and is willing to fight for them.

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On standing up for Roe

On the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, commit to a 40th

The GOP: (un)Shockingly Scorning Women Again

I'm fortunate to have the opportunity, in my own way, to help pro-choice, Democratic women running for office all over the country. And every now and then, I get the chance to do something like what I did last night -- attend NARAL Pro-Choice America's Roe v. Wade 39th Anniversary Dinner.

And I walked away from it with an emotion I didn't expect -- a sort of warm-bodied fuzziness, coupled with a stand-up-and-fight style of motivation. Because the stories shared in that room, of women unable to obtain basic health services, either because of cost, draconian legislation, or simply the region of the country where they live -- I couldn't help but be as committed as ever to the goal of protecting a woman's right to choose. But that's not even close to the whole story of the people in that room.

One that stuck out was the story of the low-income abortion-access charity, right here in Washington, DC, whose local government funding was completely eliminated in the scope of a day, used as a pawn in a Congressional budget fight. Gut-wrenching as that is, they refused to be victims of the Congressional gamesmanship, and by the next morning had collected the funds necessary to pay for the over two dozen women they had scheduled for the next day, women who would have had no access to care otherwise.

There were plenty more stories, of women and their partners overcoming the barriers to safe women's health care dropped in front of them by anti-choice legislation, but that one stood out. It stood out because it is a shining example of the dedication of the pro-choice community -- standing up for the rights of women, no matter the senseless and discriminatory behavior of the opposition.

Toward the end of the evening, the several hundred dinner attendants were asked to put down their forks and drop their napkins on the table, and to stand up if they had personally been affected by a woman's right to choose. As nearly every chair in the room emptied, there was a sort of hush that fell over the crowd. We looked around and looked at everyone who was, quite literally, standing up for women's rights.

And that's why I walked away both with a warmed heart and a heated desire to fight -- because people are standing up. And they're continuing to stand up. Through the 2012 elections. Through efforts on the state level to roll back women's rights. Through the ongoing War on Women at all levels.

People are standing up. And standing together -- to protect Roe v. Wade and protect basic women's freedoms. And that's thrilling and inspiring.

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On the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, commit to a 40th

"Marc Cenedella: Sexism Has No Place In The Senate"

The GOP: (un)Shockingly Scorning Women Again

The sight of thousands of people wearing brightly colored t-shirts bearing anti-choice slogans gave me real pause. The past few years have been difficult ones for the pro-choice movement -- sixty-nine anti-choice laws were passed in 2011; thirty-four were passed in 2010. These are astounding figures, figures some in the anti-choice movement call "breathtaking." On this, they and I agree. It is breathtaking, the scope of the attacks on reproductive rights we've seen over the past few years. So on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I think it is important to remember what the ability to choose really means.

When I laced up my shoes that morning, I did so from my home, just down the street from the campus where I attend graduate school. I am all too aware of the impact an unplanned pregnancy could have on my education goals. I may be able to support myself meagerly with scholarships and student loans, but supporting a family would likely be out of the question. My long term career goals might be completely out of reach if I did not have the right to choose.

And I am not the only one who has been positively impacted by abortion rights -- half of women who have a child between the ages of 15 and 19 receive a high school diploma before the age of 22, compared to 90 percent of women who do not have a child. There are real consequences to anti-choice policies.

So, on the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I'd like to take a second to express my gratitude for that decision. I'd like to thank the Court for recognizing that the five percent of women between the ages of 15 and 44 who have an unintended pregnancy every year should have the right to decide whether they want to raise a child or not. I'd like to thank them for 39 years of women being able to attend college; for 39 years of women being doctors; for 39 years of female lawyers, politicians, astronauts.

The right to choose is about so much more than pregnancy -- it is about self-determination, about the right for women to choose their futures, and about privacy. And on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I hope everyone reflects on that and vows to see the 40th anniversary, too.

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Bev Perdue, a rare breed

"Marc Cenedella: Sexism Has No Place In The Senate"

The GOP: (un)Shockingly Scorning Women Again

Take a look at some of the highlights from Gabby’s last week in office:

• On her final full day in her district, Gabby returned to courageously finish the ‘Congress on Your Corner’ event that was tragically interrupted just over a year ago. She met with constituents, a practice she has long valued.
• Tuesday night, Gabby returned to the floor of the House for the State of the Union address, where she received a heartwarming standing ovation. President Obama made a special stop at Gabby’s seat, where they embraced in a hug.
• And yesterday Gabby entered the House to submit her letter of resignation, where she received a standing ovation. Watch the video below, where EMILY’s List champion and DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz reads Gabby’s letter. It’s incredibly moving. Gabby also cast her final vote for a bill she introduced, continuing her commitment to border security. The bill passed unanimously.

From everyone here at EMILY’s List, thank you, Gabby, for being such an inspiration to women everywhere, with your strength, positive outlook, and commitment to public service. Your recovery has already been amazing, and we wish you best of luck in the time to come. But we know this isn’t the end, and we look forward to seeing your next steps, and standing with you as you take them.

Thank you.

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"Tough, tough, tough"

"You're beaten up, but not beaten"

First of all, Governor Perdue has had a career full of 'firsts.' She was the first female Governor of North Carolina, as well as the state's first female Lieutenant Governor. Governor Perdue is the first pro-choice woman governor in the South since Ann Richards. Right now she is one of only two Democratic women governors in the country. That's right, there are only two. And since Governor Christine Gregoire of Washington is not running for reelection either, soon there won't be any.

A champion for choice, education, and job creation, Governor Perdue has fought hard for the people of North Carolina throughout her more than 25 years of service. Because of Governor Perdue, North Carolinians hit hard by the recession continued to receive unemployment benefits and thousands of uninsured children received healthcare.

Thank you for your service and hard work, Governor.

Thank you also to the nearly one million members of the EMILY's List community for your support for Governor Perdue, as well as the many other pro-choice women candidates running for office.

The Governor's announcement today, as well as the opportunity for reflection it provides, just goes to show how much we need people like Governor Perdue in state capitals all over the country. Governor Perdue took office because of the support and donations of thousands of committed men and women across the country just like you.

Today, the EMILY's List community is nearly one million members strong, and we are working hard every day to help more women like Governor Perdue win races all across the nation. We pledge to support more pro-choice women governors like Governor Perdue. Do you?

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Gabby's Victory

"Tough, tough, tough"

"You're beaten up, but not beaten"

But when my eyes met the news about this guy, I couldn't muster a bit of it. The stomach-turning induced by Marc Cenedella's sexist, sex-obsessed, sophomoric, degrading, and just out-and-out repulsive set of public blog posts was too much for any sarcasm.

Cenedella is the CEO of a high-salary job search firm. And he says that he’s a "9.2" out of 10 he'll run against Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Not okay, Marc. Read on for the details. And I'm absolutely serious that what follows is disgusting and degrading, so please be careful.

Just take a look at some of what the New York Times reports that Cenedella has featured on his blog:

• "a number of entries containing random observations about sex, women and drugs."
• "an entry titled 'A New Holiday for Men,' there was a link to a separate site that designates March 14 as a special occasion on which women are encouraged to offer steak and oral sex 'to show your man how much you care for him.'"
• "[An] entry linked to a site that purports to provide biblical justification for a man's having more than one wife."

It would be too much for anyone to behave like this. But this guy wants to run for the United States Senate. Against Kirsten Gillibrand. One of the Senate's foremost champions for women's rights.

We won't stand for it. Marc Cenedella has publicly demonstrated an opinion of women that is out-and-out disgusting -- and in no way belongs in the United States Senate. Tell him and demand an apology.

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Rick Santorum is running for President. Also, he's terrifying.

I am so proud of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

Here at EMILY's List, we've been proud of Gabby for a long time. Proud of her when she ran, as such a young woman, for the state legislature in Arizona. Proud of her when she ran for congress -- every time. Proud of her during her last election, when she talked about her positions on things like health care and border security, and was re-elected by constituents who realized that Gabby Giffords was the real deal: tough, resolute, and more focused on doing what was right for folks in Arizona than on political expediency.

But never have we been more proud of Gabby then over the last year. In the face of unimaginable tragedy and pain, she has shown courage and strength -- limitless strength, it has seemed. We are so proud of Gabby's remarkable, and ongoing, recovery. In the face of personal grief and challenges, she has reminded all of us of the power we have to get through the worst of times. We are so proud of her dignity, and her deep responsibility to her community.

Gabby, because of her great desire to do what's right for her constituents, has decided to step down from Congress this week so that she may focus solely on her continued recovery. We thank Gabby for her service in the House of Representatives, but we also know that Gabby's service is not over. Gabby is that rare person: a leader who transcends her job and with every action she takes sends a beacon for the rest of us to follow. With every step I see Gabby take -- steps I know she has worked hard to take -- my resolution to honor her determination and grit, her grace and dignity -- grows.

We pledge to Gabby: EMILY's List is always behind you, wherever your path takes you. And we will honor you every day by working to make sure that strong, determined, bright young women of integrity and joy know that they can be leaders at every level of government, right up to the highest -- and that they feel the strength of the EMILY's List community behind them, as Gabby has.

And we thank Gabby, for so many things. Thank you, Gabby, for never wavering in your pursuit of jobs, security, and the opportunity to bring up healthy families on behalf of your constituents. Thank you for letting us see, in your partnership with your husband Mark Kelly, a marriage of true equals who delight in each other's differences. Thank you for hiring a staff of men and women of all ages who share your extraordinary energy and sense of purpose.

And above all, Gabby, we thank you for letting EMILY's List walk with you every step of the way. In big cities and in small towns throughout this country, hundreds of thousands of EMILY's List members have been inspired by you, and felt, in ways large and small, a part of your efforts to make this country better and of your many, many victories.

We are humbled by you, we are inspired by you, and we promise to carry on your dedication to public service every day. Thank you. We love you, Gabby.

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Best of 2011

"Tough, tough, tough"

"You're beaten up, but not beaten"

Because alas, poor Marianne. Within hours, she's become that old favorite of the grumpy old men of the GOP: the angry ex-wife. You know the one. She's a harpy. Greedy. Grasping. You might remember her from 2008, when Mike Barnicle described Senator Hilary Clinton as "everyone's first wife standing outside a probate court."

Now, the spectacle of the ex-wife who should be mocked and ignored is back. First, right-wing hatchet man Ed Rollins (who formerly managed Michele Bachmann's campaign), took to CNN, describing Marianne as “a very vindictive woman….as vicious as anyone who's been an ex-wife.”

Following on his heels came the four-times-married Rush Limbaugh, who apparently spoke from great authority as he attempted to brush over Marianne's claims with this zinger: "Everybody's had an angry ex-spouse."

I get it, guys, I get it: the only thing worse than a cheating spouse who expects his wife to tolerate his behavior is……a woman who wouldn't tolerate being treated like that? Right. With independent women voters making up a critical piece of the electorate -- and with the divorce rate estimated to be as high as 50% -- Republicans might want to think twice before making the divorced woman a figure of scorn. Just a thought, guys. Check with your (third) wife.

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Rick Santorum is running for President. Also, he's terrifying.

And that aforementioned blogger is far from alone.

We've seen it with our members all over the country, people everywhere are thrilled to have the chance to send Elizabeth to the Senate -- and send Scott Brown packing, right along with his Tea Party and Wall Street buddies.

Today Scott Brown is officially launching his reelection campaign to celebrate, and to fight back against Brown and his mass of money, Elizabeth's campaign is hosting a money bomb. Today.

Elizabeth has created an incredible network of support so far, but Brown's deep-pocketed allies have given him a huge war chest to work with. That's why today is so important. Rallying support for Elizabeth's campaign can not only help her close the gap, but it can send a major message to Scott Brown, Wall Street, and the Tea Party. (Not to mention stealing Brown's thunder, which is exciting in its own little way.)

We've seen how EMILY's List members rally around Elizabeth, and it's really something to behold. It's time to do it again, to harness the power of individual contributions, and to push back Scott Brown.

Click here. Contribute now. Add yourself to the EMILY's List members all over the country who are supporting Elizabeth's campaign.

The more we give, the bigger the statement to (and resulting stealing of thunder from) Scott Brown. And that's enough to make all of us giddy.

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Toasting the GOP field for their Achievements In Awful

UPDATE: *Two more* big wins for Suzanne Bonamici

It's not as if I expected anything different from last night's carnival show, but (much to the detriment of my blood pressure) I still watch.

For a brief moment, I'm putting all my cynicism aside to say this. What these guys think and say really is important for women and families across the country, who we know are watching and judging the field. That's why we're watching too, and continuing to catalogue the field's positions.

And what they think, to no surprise, is just bad. Bad bad. So here again, we present the fourth round of the GOP Achievement in Awful Awards. A hint of the ?fun? to follow -- click through for the full report:

Most insulting rhetoric:
Santorum promotes "marriage as a way of avoiding poverty" for girls.

Scariest policy for women:
Santorum: We should repeal all the federal government's role in primary and secondary education.

And again, just reading it, there goes the blood pressure. Sigh.

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Toasting the GOP field for their Achievements In Awful

UPDATE: *Two more* big wins for Suzanne Bonamici

Rick Santorum is running for President. Also, he's terrifying.