April 2009

April 2009 Newsletter

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Bucking the midterm trend: The 2010 fight for political control

In 2006 and 2008, Democrats made tremendous strides in retaking the political power that will help America rebuild after years of Republican-led decline. Today, as President Obama leads our nation through an economic meltdown and global unrest, he can count on strong support from progressive women in Congress and a cabinet and staff that includes powerful women in high-profile roles. But every step he takes to advance his agenda for change meets with an obstinate GOP taking its cues from Rush Limbaugh -- making it increasingly apparent that Democrats must win more seats in 2010 to overcome GOP roadblocks to change. The EMILY’s List Commitment Members join EMILY’s List and commit to making contributions to at least two pro-choice Democratic women candidates recommended by EMILY’s List during the election cycle.

EMILY’s List has started early to lay the groundwork for the 2010 elections, to protect our gains and expand Democratic power in the House, Senate, and the states.

“Republicans quickly regrouped after their devastating losses last year, and are more determined than ever to take back control in Congress and the states,” says Ellen R. Malcolm, president of EMILY’s List. “They know that the party that holds the White House typically loses seats in the midterm election, and they’re targeting Democrats at every level -- particularly the 83 House Democrats from districts Bush won in 2004.

“But, at EMILY’s List, we’re even more determined than they are. We’re helping our incumbents build re-election campaigns that can withstand Republican attacks. We’re recruiting and supporting women candidates for state legislature. And, with 36 governors’ seats up for grabs and a number of Republican senators retiring, we are looking at every opportunity to elect even more pro-choice Democratic women to high office in 2010.”

Holding onto the House

“Democrats have had great success winning Republican-held House seats in 2006 and 2008,” says Britt Cocanour, EMILY’s List’s chief of staff, “but that means we have to defend our gains in 2010. The ink was barely dry on the November 4 results before some of our women had already drawn GOP opponents for re-election.”

Six congresswomen elected with support from EMILY’s List in 2008 hold seats that voted for Bush in 2004: Betsy Markey (Colo. 4), Mary Jo Kilroy (Ohio 15), Debbie Halvorson (Ill. 11), Ann Kirkpatrick (Ariz. 1), Suzanne Kosmas (Fla. 24), and Dina Titus (Nev. 3).

The EMILY’s List New Member Program is helping these first-term women get up and running quickly in Congress. Through this program, newly elected women get advice from experienced Hill veterans on effective and efficient ways to set up their D.C. offices and district operations, hire staff, and secure committee assignments.

“Everything these women do in the first few months -- from setting legislative priorities to developing constituent services -- will have an impact on their political future,” says Cocanour. “Our goal with the New Member Program is to maintain contact and make sure that, as they grapple with important legislative issues, they remain mindful of building a political operation that will help them continue to serve.”

Mobilizing women voters

Democrats face another hurdle in the 2010 battle for the House: historically, the party holding the White House tends to lose seats in the midterm election.

“Republicans will attempt to thwart the Obama agenda at every turn, hoping to frustrate voters who are eager for change,” says Malcolm. “We can’t forget the lesson of 1994, when 16 million women who voted in 1992 got discouraged and stayed home, handing Republicans control of Congress. WOMEN VOTE! will work to get the women voters who made the difference for Democrats in the last two elections out again in 2010.”

EMILY’s List is laying the foundation for an aggressive WOMEN VOTE! program in 2010 that builds on the success of the 2008 effort -- in particular, using new technology to reach vast numbers of women voters with messages tailored to their concerns.

“We expanded our reach in 2008 by using social networking tools and other web-based technology to motivate and mobilize women voters, particularly younger women,” notes Maren Hesla, EMILY’s List’s WOMEN VOTE! director. “We’re building a strong case for 2010 to show them that electing women has a direct and positive impact on their lives.”

Reaching 60 in the Senate

There are 56 Democrats in the U.S. Senate, plus two registered independents who caucus with the Democrats. At this writing, the race between Republican Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken of Minnesota is still unresolved; if Franken is seated, Democrats will be just one vote short of the super-majority (60 votes) required to end a filibuster.

“This narrow margin of control means that, to get anything done, Democrats must cut deals with the few remaining GOP moderates,” says Malcolm. “As long as we fall short of the magic number of 60, Republicans can use the filibuster to stall, delay, and water down progressive proposals.”

Fortunately for Democrats, a number of Republican senators have already announced they will not seek re-election in 2010, throwing the race to succeed them wide open.

In Missouri, EMILY’s List endorsed Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, who is running for retiring GOP Sen. Kit Bond’s seat. Carnahan quickly cleared the primary field, but will face a strong Republican challenger, possibly Cong. Roy Blunt or former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman. Early polling shows Carnahan with a slight lead over each of them.

“Robin has proven statewide appeal,” says Malcolm. “She won more votes in her 2008 re-election than any candidate in Missouri history, including the 2008 presidential candidates.” Carnahan received support from EMILY’s List’s Political Opportunity Program (POP) for her campaigns.

In Ohio, Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, another rising POP star, hopes to take over retiring GOP Sen. George Voinovich’s seat. Brunner has won national attention for her successful efforts to restore integrity to Ohio’s troubled electoral system. She is headed for a primary battle with Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, while Republicans appear to be coalescing behind former Cong. Rob Portman. As director of the Office of Management and Budget and U.S. Trade Representative during the Bush administration, Portman was a key architect of the policies that led to the nation’s economic crisis.

Another Senate race is brewing in Kentucky, where GOP Sen. Jim Bunning is considered highly vulnerable to defeat and under tremendous pressure to retire. State Auditor Crit Luallen is mentioned as a possible Democratic contender.

For Democrats to reach a super-majority of 60 votes, we must protect all our incumbent senators. At the top of that list is Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, who was appointed to the Senate when Hillary Clinton resigned to become secretary of state. Gillibrand must run in 2010 to serve the remaining two years of Clinton’s term, then again in 2012 for a full six-year term.

Twice elected from a Republican-leaning House district upstate, Gillibrand earned high ratings from labor, choice, and environmental groups for her voting record and was endorsed by Planned Parenthood, Sierra Club, and the AFL-CIO. A pioneer of government transparency, she was the first member of Congress to post her entire schedule online. And, as the mother of two young children, Gillibrand is keenly familiar with the challenges facing working families.

“Kirsten is an extraordinarily intelligent leader with proven political chops,” says Malcolm. “She did an outstanding job representing her rural district, and is now traveling across New York, meeting voters and broadening her understanding of its many constituencies. She will need considerable help to raise the multi-million dollar war chest it takes to win a New York Senate race.”

EMILY’s List’s political team is also in close touch with veteran Sens. Barbara Mikulski (Md.), Barbara Boxer (Calif.), and Patty Murray (Wash.), who are all up for re-election in 2010. Former Hewlett- Packard CEO and McCain surrogate Carly Fiorina has indicated she might challenge Boxer.

“We’ll be ready to move quickly if any of these women draw strong Republican opponents,” Malcolm says.

Expanding power in the States

EMILY’s List’s third goal for 2010 is to increase progressive political power in the states, where budget cuts and policy details have reverberating effects on millions of lives. With 36 governors’ seats up in 2010, control of key legislative chambers at stake, and the 2010 census and subsequent 2012 redistricting looming on the horizon, action in the states will affect whether progressive policies will be put in place over the next decade.

“Republican obstructionism isn’t confined to Washington, D.C.,” says Malcolm. “It’s sweeping the nation.

” While citizens everywhere call for cooperation, Republicans are ignoring their pleas. Grandstanding governors like Bobby Jindal (La.), Mark Sanford (S.C.), and Haley Barbour (Miss.) are willing to sacri- fice the welfare of their constituents and refuse federal stimulus dollars rather than buck Rush Limbaugh and other right-wing talkers who want President Obama to fail.

“Until we have progressive leadership in the states, even the best intended legislation won’t benefit those most in need,” says Malcolm.

Democratic women running or exploring a run for governor include New Mexico Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, who has announced her campaign to succeed Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson; Connecticut Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, who is considering seeking the Democratic nomination to take on Republican Gov. Jodi Rell; and Kim McMillan, Tennessee’s first female House majority leader, who has announced her bid to succeed outgoing Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen.

Potential candidates for governor include Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts of Rhode Island, state Senate President Colleen Hanabusa of Hawaii, and Secretary of State Deb Markowitz of Vermont. Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink would top the list of Democratic recruits if Republican Gov. Charlie Crist decides to run for Florida’s open U.S. Senate seat. There is a deep bench of pro-choice Democratic women looking at the race to unseat Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota; and women are mentioned as potential candidates in South Dakota, Illinois, Nevada, and Oregon.

After the 2010 census, states will reapportion their population and redraw their legislative and congressional maps. Even states with minimal population shifts can see dramatic changes at both levels. In most states, redistricting is done by the legislature, in consultation with the governor. Consequently, the party that controls these power centers wields tremendous power.

EMILY’s List’s Political Opportunity Program will provide direct support to candidates to help Democrats maintain control of chambers that are narrowly divided, and take control of chambers where Republicans have a slim majority.

POP is a valuable ally to state Democratic caucuses seeking to expand control. In 2008, EMILY’s List helped Democrats take control of the Ohio House, the Wisconsin Assembly, the Nevada Senate, and the New York Senate; in 2006, EMILY’s List had helped Demo - crats take over seven chambers.

“Make no mistake: Republicans want these chambers back,” says Cocanour. “They know this is the last chance they have before redistricting. And that’s why we are focusing our attention where we can have an impact on party control of a chamber or a downballot office, like secretary of state, that plays a major role in redistricting.”

EMILY’s List is working with Democratic caucuses and legislative leaders to recruit and train candidates in anticipation of major legislative showdowns in 2010.

“The outcome of the 2010 elections at the state level will have a profound impact on the political landscape for the next ten years,” says Malcolm. “That’s why we are dedicated to helping Democrats run the strongest campaigns possible.”

The First 100 Days: Congressional women advance a progressive agenda

Editorial by Ellen R. Malcolm, President

What a difference an election makes!

After eight years of an administration hell-bent on rolling back policies that support women and families, Democratic women in Congress finally have a progressive ally in the White House -- and within days of being sworn in January 6, they started getting results.

First up: the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which expands the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make it easier for employees to sue for wage discrimination. Two of the bill’s leading sponsors, Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) and Cong. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), stood with President Barack Obama as he signed this bill into law Jan. 29, flanked by Ledbetter, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and others who worked hard for its passage.

I was honored to be among those invited to the White House to watch and celebrate Obama’s first bill signing. What a sight to see our women in their colorful suits joyfully surrounding our new president as he signed a law that will have a profound affect on every working woman in America. I couldn’t help but recall a photo from 2003, when President Bush signed the so-called Partial Birth Abortion ban surrounded by men in dark suits. Such a contrast-- and a tangible reminder of the gains we made in 2006 and 2008.

The women elected by EMILY’s List have worked diligently for years to eke out legislative victories in spite of Republican political control. Now with Democrats in control of Congress and the White House, they are able to see their efforts bear fruit.

But make no mistake: Republicans are not giving up without a fight. They believe by obstructing and delaying the progressive agenda, voters will be frustrated at the lack of change and will strike back at Democrats at the polls in 2010. Republicans wield the filibuster and other obstructionist tactics with an eye to their own comeback. In their vision, 2010 will relive the scenario of 1994, when voters’ disappointment after the first two years of the Clinton administration helped Republicans seize control of both the House and Senate.

After our overwhelming victory last November, it might seem highly unlikely that the Republicans could return to power soon. But look at these startling numbers. Democrats took 56 House seats from the Republicans in 2006 and 2008. In 1994, Republicans took 54 House seats from the Democrats! In politics, victory is never permanent.

That’s why EMILY’s List is hard at work preparing for 2010. Even with the strong leadership of President Obama and the Democrats in Congress, two years will not be long enough to turn our country around. We must hold political power through 2010 and beyond to accomplish our goals. EMILY’s List must -- and will -- continue to harness the political power of women to rebuild a progressive America.

Candidate Spotlight: Judy Chu

For more than 23 years, Dr. Judy Chu has been a creative progressive leader in California.

A psychologist who taught community college, Judy Chu served on the local school board, the Monterey Park City Council (including three terms as mayor), and three terms in the state Assembly. In 2006, she was elected to the California Board of Equalization, the nation’s only elected constitutional tax authority. When President Barack Obama chose Hilda Solis to head the Labor Department, Chu quickly moved to run in the special election to replace Solis in Congress from California’s 32nd district. Chu has a gift for forging coalitions that bridge ethnic divides -- tremendous assets in this diverse district, where over 80 percent of the population is either Asian or Hispanic. The special primary election for this seat is May 19; if no candidate wins 50 percent, the top vote-getters from each party will face off in a general election July 14.

Click here to make a contribution to Judy Chu.

When did you first become politically active?

I was prompted to get involved by an English-only movement in Monterey Park. There was a lot of resentment among older residents towards immigrants. They wanted to require that all signs be in English only, for the library to carry only books in English, and even mandate that only English be spoken in the city. People could use their native language in their homes, but not in public! Several of us came together and succeeded in overturning it.

How has your background shaped your perspective on public policy?

I come from a humble background. My father was a veteran who worked for the telephone company for 23 years. My mother was an immigrant who worked for a cannery. She was a Teamster. I remember her coming home after hours of stuffing and labeling cans, and having a lot of empathy for how hard she worked to take care of our family.

What is your greatest strength in this race?

I would say my unmatched base in the district. I’ve been elected nine times over 23 years in the San Gabriel Valley. I’ve gone from the school board to city council to mayor to the Assembly, and now to the state Board of Equalization. I know the people of this district very well, and they know me.

What is the biggest challenge in your campaign?

I have to do a lot of outreach in a short period of time. This is a very compressed race, and voter turnout will be low. A handful of votes could make the difference between winning and losing.

What are your opponents’ strengths and weaknesses?

My leading opponent, state Sen. Gil Cedillo, does not live in the district and does not represent a single precinct in the district. This is why I have so many local endorsements -- over 75 local officials, from city council to school board to water board. I’ve also got the endorsement of the LA County Federation of Labor. That’s important in a special election because they can really drive the vote -- and in this district they have 40,000 members.

What are the most pressing issues facing your community?

Definitely the economy. I talk to people all across the district who feel uncertain about the future -- seniors who are worried about their 401ks, business people who are worried about payroll, students who wonder if they’ll find a job when they graduate. I’m in a good position to help rebuild the economy because I have a great deal of fiscal experience. I was chair of the Appropriations Committee in the Assembly, which controls every fiscal bill. I was also on the budget conference committee, a group of six legislators who reconciled Senate and Assembly versions of a bill before sending it to the governor. I passed a tax amnesty bill that gave people who owe back taxes two months to pay without penalties. This was projected to bring in $300 million. It ultimately brought in $4.3 billion, making it the most successful tax amnesty bill in U.S. history. So I have a great deal of knowledge about government and finance, and the kind of out-of-the-box thinking that I think can be helpful to the nation at this time.

Why is it important to elect more women?

When I got to Sacramento in 2001, nearly one-third of the legislators were women, and from what I heard, there was a great change from the old boys’ network, where you had to be an insider to get legislation through. Women brought openness to the process and a greater variety of legislation of importance to women, like health care, the environment, and domestic violence.

What does being a progressive mean to you?

It means making decisions that will benefit the people without bowing to the needs of the special interests. I cosponsored a bill to require cosmetics manufacturers to ban phthalates, chemicals that are particularly dangerous to women of child-bearing age. I thought that if the European Union could keep women safe from these chemicals, certainly we in California could. Unfortunately, moneyed interests spent a small fortune to kill this bill and we couldn’t get it off the floor. But you have to be willing to fight for what you believe in.