For Immediate Release
May 20, 2009
Statement from Ellen R. Malcolm on Dr. Judy Chu's Victory in California's 32nd Congressional District
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Ellen R. Malcolm, president of EMILY's List, issued the following statement on Dr. Judy Chu's victory in the May 19th special election primary for California's 32nd congressional district:
"Yesterday, voters in California chose Judy Chu, a tremendous progressive leader, to be their next Representative in Congress. Judy's extensive record of accomplishment on issues important to women and families, along with her track record of fiscal responsibility, helped distinguish her in a crowed primary field. Judy Chu will no doubt prove a valuable ally to President Obama as we tackle the difficult challenges ahead. Additionally, voters are on the verge of making history: when elected in July, Chu will be the fifth Asian-Pacific woman to ever serve in Congress and she will become the 80th woman that EMILY's List has helped elect to the United States House of Representatives. EMILY's List congratulates Judy Chu and looks forward to celebrating her general election victory on July 14th, 2009."
Background:
EMILY's List endorsed Dr. Judy Chu in March of 2009, shortly after the special election was declared to replace Hilda Solis, who is now serving as Secretary of Labor. EMILY's List members from across the country contributed to her and EMILY's List staff provided strategic guidance to the campaign. Additionally, EMILY's List WOMEN VOTE! ran an extensive direct mail program to reach out to 24,000 voters throughout the 32nd district. The mail highlighted Dr. Chu's deep roots in the community, her exceptional record on education and the economy, and her strong support from community and civic leaders. The program specifically targeted Latinos who have an active voting history in special and primary elections and Latinos who are permanent absentee voters. After winning the July 14th general election in this heavily Democratic seat, Dr. Chu will be the 80th pro-choice Democratic woman EMILY's List has helped elect to the United States House of Representatives.
EMILY's List is the nation's largest financial resource for women candidates. 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. 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 worked to elect 79 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.
