Statement from Ellen R. Malcolm on President-elect Obama's Nominations to the White House National Security Team

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Ellen R. Malcolm, President of EMILY’s List, issued the following statement on President-elect Barack Obama’s nominations to the White House national security team:

“EMILY’s List and our members strongly commend President-elect Obama’s nominations of these exceptional women to top posts on his national security team.

Senator Hillary Clinton’s long history of public service, foreign diplomacy, and her tenure on the Senate Armed Services Committee make her an exceptional choice for Secretary of State. Senator Clinton and President-elect Obama will work together to mend America’s image and strengthen our alliances abroad.

As Governor and the former U.S. Attorney and first female Attorney General for Arizona, Janet Napolitano has already experienced some of the immigration and border security challenges that she’ll face as secretary of homeland security. Her common sense approach to public policy and governing will continue to serve America well.

EMILY’s List and its members celebrate the nominations of Senator Clinton and Governor Napolitano, along with Dr. Susan Rice, who will serve as the next Ambassador to the United Nations. President-elect Obama deserves much credit for his strong choices to lead these critical departments and for his commitment to adding great women to his administration.”

In the 2007-2008 cycle, EMILY’s list raised more than $43 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. EMILY’s List and its members directly contributed more than $9 million to EMILY’s List candidates for federal and gubernatorial office. With more than 100,000 members across the country, EMILY’s List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985 through today, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 78 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 15 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices.