More excitement in Illinois!

We just announced that we're throwing our support behind Cheryle Robinson Jackson in what is expected to be one of the hottest races of 2010 – the race to fill the Senate seat that was held by President Obama. Republicans have targeted this seat for takeover and are backing a well-funded, five-term GOP congressman. We know that Cheryle, the first female president of the Chicago Urban League and a pioneering leader and experienced executive is the strongest Democrat to fend off this takeover attempt. Jackson is the only woman and the only African American running for this historic Senate seat. If she wins in November, Jackson would be the only African American in the U.S. Senate.

Here’s what EMILY's List president Ellen R. Malcolm has to say about Cheryle:

"Cheryle Robinson Jackson is a dynamic and charismatic leader who is hands down the best candidate to keep President Obama's former Senate seat in the Democratic column. As the first female president of the Chicago Urban League and after holding high-level positions with Amtrak and National Public Radio, Cheryle is an experienced executive dedicated to fostering economic growth and empowering people across Illinois."

Cheryle will be only the second African-American woman to serve in the U.S. Senate, taking the same seat that Carol Moseley Braun held from 1993-1999. EMILY's List is proud to be a part of this chance to make history. The Democratic primary is only a few months away, and we are ready to go!

Ellen is right – the Illinois's February 2 primary gives Jackson little time to build a statewide campaign. She'll be counting on EMILY's List members to help her win this critical race.

Learn more about Cheryle here.

Exciting news! We just endorsed Julie Hamos in the race to replace GOP Congressman Mark Kirk in Illinois' 10th congressional district. Julie is a five-term state representative who has dedicated her life to improving the lives of women and children -- and we couldn't be more thrilled that she's jumped into this hot open seat race.

From EMILY's List President Ellen R. Malcolm's statement:

As an attorney, co-founder of the Illinois Coalition against Domestic Violence, and a five-term state representative from Chicago's northeast suburbs, Julie's record of advocating for Illinois women and families is second to none. We need her in Congress to continue that fight.

Julie has a well-earned reputation as a legislative work-horse. She's been named a "top legislator" by more than 25 organizations across Illinois, founded and chaired the Illinois House Mass Transit Committee, and has forged legislation to make buildings more energy efficient, promote electronic health records and to establish affordable housing. She's also been a passionate advocate for women's rights and the right to choose. Julie's race is a great opportunity to add another pro-choice Democratic woman to the Congress.

We're less than a week away from the special election in CA-32, where EMILY's List candidate Judy Chu is running to replace now-Secretary of Labor (and former EL candidate!) Hilda Solis.

Judy came out on top in a bruising primary and, in this heavily Democratic district, she's expected to come out on top next Tuesday, making her the 80th woman EMILY's List has helped elect to the House.

The Pasadena Star-News endorsed Judy today, saying the choice "couldn't be clearer" among the candidates. "A public servant in the district for decades and formerly a respected community college teacher here, Chu served on the Monterey Park City Council for 13 years before being elected to the California Assembly. She currently serves on the powerful tax-setting Board of Equalization in Sacramento."