For Immediate Release
Sep 9, 2005

EMILY'S List Announces Support of Darlene Mealy for New York City Council

Backing signals confidence in community activist

Brooklyn, NY – EMILY's List, the nation's largest grassroots political network and financial resource for women running for elective office, is proud to announce its backing of Darlene Mealy in her bid for New York City Council, District 41. Through the Political Opportunity Program, an initiative to mobilize, train, and financially support candidates running at the state and local levels, EMILY's List has extended its support to Darlene Mealy.

"As a community activist, Darlene Mealy has been a devoted advocate for the people of District 41. She is a strong candidate who will fight for all her constituents as a councilmember," said Karen M. White, national political director for EMILY's List. "Her message for social and economic justice is resonating among the voters of the district."

Mealy is a political newcomer whose strong campaign and compelling message has gotten the attention of many in her district. She has been described as the "toughest challenge" in the race for the only open City Council seat in Brooklyn. Mealy is committed to improving the schools, community centers and services of the neighborhoods of District 41.

"Darlene Mealy's victory in this election will demonstrate the broad range of support she has received district-wide," continued White. "Mealy has worked hard as a community advocate and transit worker and voters will recognize that she will work hard for them as their next city councilwoman. On September 13th, we know the voters of City Council District 41 will show their confidence in Mealy's leadership."

EMILY's List is the largest political action committee in the nation. EMILY's List has helped elect 61 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 11 to the U.S. Senate, and eight governors. EMILY's List has also helped elect hundreds of pro-choice Democratic women to state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and key local offices. In 2001, EMILY's List expanded its support of pro-choice Democratic women candidates by establishing its Political Opportunity Program (POP). Through POP, EMILY's List is developing and nurturing the next generation of pro-choice Democratic women political leaders by investing in women candidates at the state and local levels.