• Who We Are
  • Our Mission
  • Our History
  • Senior Leadership
  • Jobs and Internships
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Majority Council
  • Newsroom
• What We Do
  • Our Candidates
  • Senate in 2012
  • Reaching Women Voters
  • Candidates at the Local Level
  • Political Training
  • Multimedia
• Take Action
  • Join Our Online Community
  • Make a Contribution
  • Sign up to Volunteer
  • Ways to Give
  • Attend an Event
  • Blog

June 2008

TO: Majority Council Members
FROM: Ellen R. Malcolm
DATE: June 11, 2008

A new beginning

After the last primaries two weeks ago, I wrote to EMILY's List members describing the range of emotions I felt as Hillary Clinton's historic presidential campaign came to a close. A few days later, I joined hundreds of her supporters at the National Building Museum as Hillary, with dignity, honor, and enthusiasm, endorsed Senator Obama for president. If you watched the speech on C-SPAN, you might have seen me and others wipe away an occasional tear. But not Hillary. This extraordinary woman delivered the speech of a lifetime, issuing a forceful endorsement of Obama that I hope will convince the 18 million voters who voted for her to move past their disappointment and do the same. And in the process, she gave comfort to every woman who believed in her and joined her fight to crack that glass ceiling. Today that ceiling, Hillary noted in her remarks, now has about 18 million cracks in it. And every woman who runs for office from this day forward will find the path a little smoother because of Hillary Clinton.

And now it's time to embark on the final stage of the 2008 campaign. This is the election we have been waiting for. The country is fed up with the policies and direction set by George W. Bush and his Republican allies in Congress. Voters want change. I want change. You want change. And in November we are going to take our country back by electing Barack Obama president and pro-choice Democratic women across the country.

I spoke with Senator Obama recently and told him that I would do all I can to unite our party to defeat John McCain. I was honored that he reached out to EMILY's List and know that he truly wants to bring us together. We all share a deep commitment to ending the war in Iraq, to passing universal health care, to creating economic policies that strengthen the middle class, and to protecting civil and reproductive rights. Our agenda stands in stark contrast to the agenda of John McCain and the Republicans.

In fact, if you go to www.emilyslist.org you can download a copy of McCain "In His Own Words." I urge you to print it out and put it on your refrigerator. And if you ever have a day when you feel like sitting out the election, if you ever wonder if you should make a contribution or call a voter, read it again. And if anyone tries to tell you that John McCain is a "moderate maverick," I hope you will use it to debunk that myth and remind people that John McCain and George W. Bush are two peas in the same right-wing conservative, anti-choice, pro-Iraq, corporate tax cut pod. We cannot afford a third Bush term -- and that is why EMILY's List will work around the clock to turn out the women voters who will defeat John McCain and elect Barack Obama president.

As I write this, we are preparing to gather in Washington for our annual Majority Council conference. I hope I will see you there -- but if not, I look forward to debriefing with you next month. This is an important time in our history and I'm sure we will have many lively conversations in the days ahead as we prepare for the next phase. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the enclosed "cheat sheet" of all our endorsed candidates and the latest news on their campaigns. It's quite a list! We've talked a lot about the sheer number of candidates this year, and I think every one of them has a chance to win and make the changes we yearn for.

Pingree wins in Maine

We are celebrating a solid primary victory in Maine, where former state Senate Majority Leader Chellie Pingree secured the Democratic nomination for the first congressional district, an open seat that leans Democratic. Chellie won 44 percent of the vote in a crowded field of five men. Republicans nominated Charlie Summers, a former state senator and aide to U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, who has the backing of such vaunted GOP establishment figures as former President George H.W. Bush and his wife Barbara. Summers has run in this district twice before without success, but Chellie is taking nothing for granted and will fight hard to hold this seat for Democrats.

Incredibly low turnout derailed Leslie Byrne's bid for the Democratic nomination in Virginia's 11th district, which went to Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Gerry Connolly. Leslie was not able to overcome Connolly's advantages as a local elected official. Turnout was a dismal five percent, hampered by incredible heat, torrential rain, and a fatigued electorate that already voted in the presidential election four months ago. Leslie ran a good campaign and we wish her well as she continues her long career as a progressive activist.

EMILY's List 2008 Candidates

With candidates gaining momentum every week, I expect we will add a few more names to this list before all is said and done. In the meantime, this will give you a sense of what I mean when I say we are working with more candidates than ever before. Please check www.emilyslist.org for more candidate updates or to learn more about any of these outstanding pro-choice Democratic women.

U.S. Senate

Kay Hagan (North Carolina -- challenger)
State Senator Kay Hagan, who is mounting a strong challenge to U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, handily won the Democratic primary May 6 with 60 percent of the vote. A pre-primary poll showed her only seven points behind Dole, whose approval ratings have been very poor. Polling since the primary shows an even tighter race. Hagan was a banker before entering public service, first as a campaign strategist for former Democratic Gov. Jim Hunt, then as a legislator. She is co-chair of the state Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. She would be North Carolina's first Democratic woman U.S. senator.

Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire -- challenger)
Three-term former Governor Jeanne Shaheen sought this seat in 2002, narrowly losing to Republican John Sununu. Sununu's victory came as a result of dirty tricks: GOP operatives jammed Democratic phone lines on election day, bringing the party's get-out-the-vote efforts to a standstill. Two of them went to jail as a result. Democrats worked hard to recruit Shaheen to run again, and public polls show her leading Sununu. She's working hard in fundraising but the incumbent's bank account is far larger, and he will have independent assistance from corporate special interests who helped him win last time.

Governor

Chris Gregoire (Washington -- incumbent)
After defeating Republican Dino Rossi in 2004 by 129 votes (after three recounts), Chris Gregoire has governed Washington with incredible energy and distinction. She eliminated a $2.2 billion budget shortfall while expanding funding for schools and health care and preserving vital government services. Forbes magazine named Washington one of the five best states in which to do business. Yet, Gregoire is the most endangered governor up for re-election in 2008. Republicans are again backing the right-wing, anti-choice Rossi, who benefitted from a state law that prevented Gregoire from raising money during the recent legislative session (December-April). He raised almost $3 million during that time, drawing nearly even with Gregoire in cash on hand.

Bev Perdue (North Carolina -- open Democratic seat)
Lieutenant Governor Bev Perdue handily defeated state Treasurer Richard Moore in the May 6 Democratic primary 56 to 40 percent, bringing her one step closer in her bid to become the first pro-choice Democratic woman governor of a southern state since Ann Richards. This was a stunning victory, as Perdue stayed positive for the last four weeks of the campaign in the face of vicious attacks from Moore. She faces Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory in the general election. McCrory is resolutely anti-choice and has extensive ties to corporate and business elites who are helping him raise money. Two recent polls show a very tight race that is likely to stay that way through election day.

Jill Long Thompson (Indiana -- challenger)
Former Indiana Congresswoman Jill Long Thompson scored an upset victory over the hand-picked choice of the Democratic establishment in Indiana's May 6 primary after being outspent more than three to one. She is running to unseat GOP Governor Mitch Daniels, Bush's first director of the Office of Management and Budget, in November. Daniels has aggressively sought to privatize state agencies and services -- giving coal companies access to wildlife areas and encouraging developers to build a hotel in a state park. Indiana Right to Life calls him the "most pro-life governor" in Indiana's history. He has more than $5 million banked for his re-election and is already on TV.

U.S. House (incumbents)

Melissa Bean, Illinois 8
Congresswoman Bean is perpetually targeted by Republicans but does a terrific job shoring up support in her district with a combination of assiduous constituent service and a keen understanding of the business community. Her opponent, Steve Greenberg, recently admonished small business owners to "suck it up" to compete with Wal-Mart and other retail giants. His level of commitment to his own campaign was called into doubt when he allowed his war chest to drop down to $5,000, then conceded that he took the month of March off from campaigning, calling it "a refocusing time" for him. But he is quite wealthy and can self-finance, and this swing seat is by no means safe for Bean.

Gabrielle Giffords, Arizona 8
In 2006, Congresswoman Giffords's political skills, moderate state Senate record, and business savvy helped her stage a takeover of an open seat that had been in Republican hands for 22 years. Republicans jeopardized their chances of holding this marginal seat by nominating a fervently right-wing candidate whose views were blatantly out-of-step with voters. This year they recruited state Senate President Tim Bee -- also conservative, but better-liked and more adept at masking his views. He has been keeping up with Giffords in fundraising. Republicans see this is a prime take-back opportunity and will fight hard here in hopes of mitigating losses elsewhere.

Kirsten Gillibrand, New York 20
After unseating a GOP incumbent in one of the most astounding upsets of 2006, Congresswoman Gillibrand is preparing to head off a strong challenge from Republicans who are desperate to take this seat back. Her most likely opponent is former New York Secretary of State Sandy Treadwell, a wealthy Republican insider who has invested nearly $1 million into his campaign. An ally of former GOP Governor George Pataki, Treadwell can draw on extensive ties to corporate lobbyists to raise campaign contributions. Republicans will choose their nominee Sept. 9. Gillibrand has brought accountability to this district and is the first member of Congress to post her schedule and earmark requests online.

Carol Shea-Porter, New Hampshire 1
Congresswoman Shea-Porter is atop the Republican hit list for 2008 after unseating GOP incumbent Jeb Bradley in New Hampshire's largely Republican first district, despite being outspent three to one. Bradley is seeking a rematch but has to get through a Sept. 9 primary against former state Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen, who is running to Bradley's right. Bradley was recently on TV with ads attacking Shea-Porter. Republicans vastly underestimated Shea-Porter in 2006 and will not make the same mistake twice.

U.S. House (open D seats)

Tracey Brooks, New York 21
Brooks is a former advocate for pregnant teenagers, civil litigator, legislative staffer, and state director for Senator Hillary Clinton. She has considerable local support for her effort to succeed retiring Democrat Mike McNulty, including the backing of McNulty's sister and father, and from the mayor of Albany, the largest city in the district. Brooks is the only woman in the crowded field that includes Paul Tonko, who served in the state Assembly for 24 years and will be well-funded. This is considered a safe Democratic seat that will be decided in the Sept. 9 primary.

Joan Fitz-Gerald, Colorado 2
Joan Fitz-Gerald, the state's first female Senate president, is locked in a tough battle with two incredibly well-funded political novices for a Democratic open seat. Fitz-Gerald is the only candidate with a record to run on, and it’s a remarkable one distinguished by steadfast support for choice, civil rights, and the environment. One opponent, Jared Polis, has set a state record by sinking nearly $3.7 million of his personal fortune into his primary campaign, with no end in sight. This race is getting ugly: her opponents know the only way to defeat Fitz-Gerald in the August 12 primary is to go on the attack.

U.S. House (open R seats)

Judy Baker, Missouri 9
State Senator Judy Baker stepped up to challenge the GOP incumbent, Kenny Hulshof, when other Democrats hung back. Then Hulshof decided to run for governor, and three Democratic men, including the former speaker of the Missouri House, jumped into what is now a top open seat opportunity. Baker was pressured to exit, but she stood firm, beat the men in fundraising, and is heading full-steam toward the August 5 Democratic primary. Republicans also have a crowded field, and every serious contender is resolutely right-wing.

Debbie Halvorson, Illinois 11
Halvorson, the state's first female Senate majority leader, cleared the Democratic field for this open seat, which is currently held by disgraced GOP Congressman Jerry Weller. She's running against Martin Ozinga, a wealthy concrete manufacturer. While Ozinga has a lot of baggage relating to suspicious business practices, he's been running an aggressive race and hitting Halvorson hard, which will no doubt continue through November. This is a promising pick-up opportunity for Democrats but shows signs of being a messy race. Halvorson should get a lift in a presidential year, with Illinoisan Barack Obama at the top of the ticket.

Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio 15
After nearly defeating Republican Congresswoman Deborah Pryce in 2006, Franklin County Commission President Mary Jo Kilroy was all set for a rematch when Pryce unexpectedly announced her retirement. After struggling to find a suitable candidate, Republicans ultimately settled on state Sen. Steve Stivers, a former banking lobbyist with extensive corporate connections. This will be a barn-burner. Democrats have fared well in Ohio of late, winning tough races for governor and U.S. Senate. Kilroy should benefit in a presidential year.

Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona 1
Former state Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick is running strong to replace another retiring, scandal-tainted Republican congressman -- Rick Renzi. An attorney who was raised on Apache land, Kirkpatrick is a key ally of Governor Janet Napolitano on education and a leader on issues affecting lower-income families in a district that has a good deal of poverty. She is leading the field for the Sept. 2 Democratic primary. Top-tier Republicans have largely taken a pass, leaving the field to far-right, wealthy mining industry lobbyist Sydney Hay. Hay is backed by Right to Life, the anti-choice Susan B. Anthony List, Phyllis Schlafly and the Eagle Forum, and a host of other radical luminaries.

Linda Stender, New Jersey 7
Assemblywoman Stender came within one percentage point of ousting incumbent Mike Ferguson in 2006. She was preparing for a rematch when Ferguson announced he wouldn't seek another term. Stender dissuaded primary challengers from seeking the now-open seat. Republicans nominated state Sen. Leonard Lance, who has repeatedly voted to limit access to abortion and family planning services for women, including opposing a bill that would have required pharmacists to fill prescriptions for contraceptives. If she wins, Stender will be the only woman in New Jersey's congressional delegation.

U.S. House (challengers)

Kay Barnes, Missouri 6
Former Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes is giving right-wing Cong. Sam Graves the fight of his life. Her rural roots make her a strong challenger, and she's raised more than $1.4 million to Graves's $1.5 million. Graves is the first Republican congressman for whom Bush and Cheney did in-state fundraising events this election cycle. His campaign manager is notorious for gutter politics, and Graves has already launched a series of ads so vile they may even be backfiring on him. U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill won this district in 2006 and Barnes is following her path to victory by delivering her message personally in small towns and rural communities while simultaneously executing an aggressive media strategy.

Darcy Burner, Washington 8
Former Microsoft manager Burner ran one of the sleeper races of 2006 and came within 8,000 votes of unseating Republican Dave Reichert from this increasingly Democratic, outer Seattle seat. She learned a lot from that race and is putting those lessons to good use in her second campaign. She has developed a sophisticated fundraising operation to harness her popularity among bloggers and repeatedly outraises the incumbent. Reichert's popularity stems from his image as a folksy local sheriff. His support for Bush makes him extremely vulnerable, and Burner is likely to close the gap in a presidential year.

Donna Edwards, Maryland 4
This race was essentially decided in the February primary when Edwards unseated incumbent Al Wynn with a strong grassroots campaign. Wynn soon announced he would step down before the end of his term, and Edwards is strongly favored to win the June 17 special election, after which she will be seated in Congress immediately.

Christine Jennings, Florida 13
Jennings's race against Republican Vern Buchanan captured headlines after apparent voting machine malfunctions led to mysterious undercounts in Jennings strongholds, leaving her 369 votes behind Buchanan. Buchanan, a multi-millionaire with a history of legal problems, was seated in Congress, and Jennings is running again to unseat him. This seat was held by Republican Katherine Harris, who gave it up to run for Senate in 2006.

Suzanne Kosmas, Florida 24
By all rights, Republican Tom Feeney should have lost his seat in 2006. He went on a Jack Abramoff-funded golfing trip to Scotland and blatantly sold access to himself by offering football-themed "Season Passes" to lobbyists who contributed the maximum $5,000 to his campaign. Feeney got off easy for lack of a strong challenger, but his luck ran out when former state Rep. Suzanne Kosmas agreed to run in 2008. Kosmas is an accomplished candidate with a long record of advocacy for women and environmental causes in this community. The DCCC has a poll showing only 23 percent of the district's voters think Feeney deserves re-election, and he is also the target of an FBI probe. This will be a marquee race in 2008.

Betsy Markey, Colorado 4
Republican Marilyn Musgrave is widely viewed as a right-wing zealot and an ineffective, even incompetent, member of Congress. If she were even remotely moderate, she would have a firmer hold on her seat. But she's not, and she faces a compelling challenger in Betsy Markey, a well-known and respected businesswoman who was a member of U.S. Senator Ken Salazar's in-state team. Markey is a gifted campaigner who has the support of state leaders, including Salazar and Governor Bill Ritter Jr. Musgrave is saddled with so much baggage -- she is even featured on the web site of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, which praises her opposition to same-sex marriage and support for concealed weapons -- that the NRCC has signaled it won't do much to bail her out this time. A recent poll for the Markey campaign shows her leading Musgrave 43 to 36 percent.