Statement by Ellen R. Malcolm, President of EMILY's List, on Graham Retirement

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following is a statement by Ellen R. Malcolm, president of EMILY's List, on the retirement of Sen. Bob Graham (D-Fla.).

"Senator Bob Graham has a long and distinguished record of service in Florida. During his tenure as Governor and United States Senator, Graham worked tirelessly for Floridians and all Americans to create jobs and strengthen the economy. We applaud his accomplishments and hope to help Betty Castor continue his legacy of leadership in the U.S. Senate."

"EMILY's List has endorsed Betty Castor for this seat because she has the skills and experience to get the job done. With more than three decades in public service, Floridians know they can place their trust in Betty Castor to deliver results on the issues that they care about. In her first term as the state's education leader, Castor persuaded the legislature to spend more than $160 million on schools to avoid education cuts. Castor also led the fight to increase teacher salaries and raise teaching standards. Castor's sensible leadership on education and the other critical issues facing Florida will serve the state best in the United States Senate.

"EMILY's List's nationwide network of 73,000 members will be immediately alerted to this important race, opening the door to tens of thousands of donors eager to elect Castor to the U.S. Senate. We look forward to working with Castor and Floridians to elect a strong Democratic woman to the U.S. Senate."