EMILY's List Announces Endorsements of Six Challengers in U.S. House Races

Washington, D.C. -- EMILY's List, one of the nation's largest political action committees and financial resources for women running for elected office, today announced its endorsement of six women running in competitive races for the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Anne Barth, Sam Bennett, Jill Derby, Judy Feder, Annette Taddeo, and Vic Wulsin represent the dynamic, experienced leaders that we need in Congress today,” said Ellen R. Malcolm, president of EMILY’s List. “These Democratic women are running some of the most exciting, competitive challenger races in the country and gaining critical ground in historically Republican districts. Ranging from doctors, businesswomen, and public servants, these women are leading the way on issues affecting American families every day. EMILY’s list members are proud to support these Democratic women and help elect them to the United States House in November.”

Anne Barth, West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District
As a native West Virginian and a long-time public servant, Anne Barth understands the needs and concerns of the people in the second district and throughout the state. From her two decades of experience as a senior aide for Senator Robert C. Byrd, most recently as the state director, she knows how to get things accomplished in Washington while staying true to her West Virginia roots. In Congress, Barth will work to improve public education, strengthen health care, especially for seniors and children, and provide real tax relief to middle class families. She will represent the needs of West Virginians rather than the desires of Wall Street and Washington. Barth was raised with a strong tradition of service to others, a tradition that will allow her to be an effective and compassionate leader for the second district.

Sam Bennett, Pennsylvania’s 15th Congressional District
A longtime Allentown resident, Sam Bennett has been an innovator and a problem solver in her community for 30 years. Her tenacity and fresh perspective on the issues facing our nation will make her a strong advocate for the 15th district. Her background as a businesswoman and a community advocate will guide her as she works to promote an economy that benefits those who work, and not just those with wealth. Bennett is committed to finding alternative energy solutions, establishing universal health care, and implementing a responsible plan for bringing American troops home from Iraq. Sam Bennett will put the priorities of families and workers in Pennsylvania first.

Jill Derby, Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District
A fourth generation Nevadan, Jill Derby embodies the passion and the work ethic necessary to replace politics as usual in Washington, D.C. and get results for the people of Nevada. Having lived in the Middle East for three years, Derby brings an in-depth understanding of this critical region to Congress. She will also continue to fight for the issues that are more important to voters in the second district -- fulfilling promises made to veterans, forging a sensible energy plan, ensuring access to health care, and demanding fiscal responsibility at all levels of government. The experience and momentum Derby gained in her competitive run in 2006 make her an even stronger candidate this time around. Jill Derby is committed to working for the families of the second district by standing with them on today’s critical issues and by bringing a new brand of politics to Washington.

Judy Feder, Virginia’s 10th Congressional District
A resident of Northern Virginia for more than 30 years, Judy Feder knows first-hand the challenges facing families in the 10th district. Feder has spent her career working to find ways to make health care more affordable and, with three decades of health policy experience, she can help lead the fight in Congress to find real solutions to today’s health care crisis. Feder is a longtime professor at Georgetown University and is the former dean of the University’s Public Policy Institute. Feder’s tireless efforts and close race against Rep. Frank Wolf in 2006 paved the way for a strong victory in the Democratic primary in June, a victory that will continue to build momentum for a victory this November. Feder’s vision and passion will help her deliver the change in Washington that the voter’s of the 10th district expect and deserve.

Annette Taddeo, Florida’s 18th Congressional District
A small business owner and a community leader, Annette Taddeo is running for Congress because she believes South Florida needs a new beginning. As founder and CEO of LanguageSpeak, Taddeo has a 15 year track record as a successful businesswoman and was named Businesswoman of the Year by the South Florida Business Journal and one of the top 50 Latina entrepreneurs in the country by Hispanic Magazine. Taddeo is also a strong advocate for women as the chair of the Women’s Enterprise National Council’s Leadership Forum and a National Founding Partner and member of the executive board of WIPP --Women Impacting Public Policy. Taddeo’s priorities reflect the values of the 18th district. She has already raised more than every recent Democratic challenger in this seat combined and the district is seeing historic increases in Democratic voter registration. Annette Taddeo’s leadership, experience, and dedication to her community will make her a valuable voice for the working families she will represent in Congress.

Vic Wulsin, Ohio’s 2nd Congressional District
A native Ohioan, Vic Wulsin has devoted her life to improving public health. Dr. Wulsin has proven to be a tireless and effective campaigner winning more votes in the second district than any Democrat before her, coming within 2,500 votes of defeating Rep. Jean Schmidt in 2006. Her dedication to the families and communities in the second district is the kind of leadership that voters in southern Ohio deserve. Wulsin’s priorities in Congress include finding a solution to today’s health care crisis, restoring fiscal discipline in the House, and working to make southern Ohio a leader in developing alternative energy solutions. By putting an end to partisan bickering and working across the aisle to find real solutions to the challenges facing our country today, Vic Wulsin will be the representative in Congress that the second district deserves.

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, EMILY's List has raised over $240 million to elect 71 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 13 to the U.S. Senate, and eight governors. Over the course of 23 years, EMILY’s List has helped elect hundreds of pro-choice Democratic women to federal office, state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices.

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