"I am shocked and saddened by the murder of Dr. George Tiller. Dr. Tiller was a courageous man who was determined to give women their rightful medical options, even though he faced constant threats of personal danger and legal and political harassment. I send my deepest condolences to Dr. Tiller's wife, his family and his co-workers."

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.

"I strongly commend President Obama's nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court of the United States. If confirmed by the Senate, Judge Sotomayor would make history as the first Hispanic, as well as the third woman to ever sit on the court. Judge Sotomayor will help add balance to the court and her unique perspective will help ensure that women's rights are protected and that their experiences continue to play a role in the highest court in the land. With her nomination the court is one step closer to reflecting the diversity that makes our country so great."

Background:

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.

"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.

The California WOMEN VOTE! program will run through the special election on May 19th and hopes to reach 17,000 households representing 24,000 individual voters throughout the district. The mail will highlight 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 will target Latinos who have an active voting history in special and primary elections and Latinos who are permanent absentee voters. The first in a series of four mailings will reach voters in two weeks.

EMILY's List WOMEN VOTE! has worked for more than a decade to inform and engage women voters in the electoral process on the premise that when women vote, women win. “The more voters learn about Dr. Judy Chu and her record of public service, the more excited they are going to be about voting for her,” said Maren Hesla, EMILY's List WOMEN VOTE! director. “It is our hope that through these efforts, voters in the 32nd district will be better informed on the issues that we know are important to them and that they will act on that information on election day.”

Launched in 1995, the historic EMILY's List WOMEN VOTE! project combines polling and research, advanced information technology, sophisticated message testing, and precinct-by-precinct field work to mobilize millions of women voters across the country. EMILY's List designed WOMEN VOTE! to build a progressive political base that will elect more Democrats, especially women, by helping to increase turnout among women voters year after year.

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. 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, 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.

"With more than 20 years of public service and a strong record of working to improve women's lives, Dr. Judy Chu of California's Board of Equalization, is an impressive candidate for California's 32nd congressional district,” said Ellen R. Malcolm, president of EMILY's List. "While serving in the state Assembly, Chu authored a landmark tax amnesty bill that brought $4.8 billion in revenue to the state budget without raising taxes and passed vital legislation to protect victims of sexual assault and hate crimes. She will bring this record of service and problem-solving experience to Congress. EMILY's List is proud to support Dr. Judy Chu in the special election to fill Secretary Hilda Solis' seat in Congress."

As vice-chair of the Board of Equalization, Dr. Chu serves as one of California's 12 elected constitutional officers. She represents 8.5 million people in district four, which encompasses most of Los Angeles County. Prior to the state Assembly, Dr. Chu served on the Monterey Park City Council for thirteen years from 1988 to 2001, and served as mayor for three terms. Dr. Chu has been dedicated to education for decades, and was a community college professor of psychology for 20 years. She started in public service as a board member of the Garvey School District from 1985 to 1988. Dr. Chu has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and a B.A. in math.

"I am honored to receive the support of EMILY's List, a long time friend and ally of Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis," said Dr. Judy Chu. "As a member of Congress, I will continue to protect our working class families and fight for jobs and the economy, access to affordable health care, and finally, supporting our veterans and bringing our troops home."

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, 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.

"I am so pleased to congratulate Governor Kathleen Sebelius on her nomination as the next Secretary of Health and Human Services. With over 48 million Americans still uninsured and millions more scraping by, this nation needs a strong, innovative leader to reach across the aisle and fix our broken health care system. In her years as governor and insurance commissioner, Secretary-designate Sebelius proved her effectiveness by helping to modernize Kansas's health care system and extend health care to those who need it most. She will bring the same determination to our country's health care crisis and work with President Obama as he strives to make quality, affordable health care a reality for every American."

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. 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, 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.

"Today, I congratulate Secretary Hilda Solis and wish her well as our new Secretary of Labor. Along with the thousands of EMILY's List members who petitioned Senate Republicans standing in her way, I am heartened to see the Senate confirm Solis and put progress ahead of partisan politics. It is critical that the Department of Labor have a strong, intelligent, and effective leader like Secretary Solis to advocate for our nation's workers during these tough economic times."

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. 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, 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.

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 thatDemocrats 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

President Obama signs the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act on Jan. 29, 2009

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.

President Bush signs the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 on Nov. 5, 2003

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 inMonterey 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.

"The Republicans have been wandering in the wilderness for weeks on this nomination. It's time to act. Hilda Solis will add a necessary perspective as a woman, a Latina, and a member of a working class family. With nearly 600,000 jobs lost in the last month alone, we need to do everything we can to get our economy back on track -- and Hilda Solis is going to play a critical role. The questions have been answered and it's time for the Senate to approve this nomination."

In the coming days, EMILY's List will mobilize its members with an online petition calling on the Republicans in the Senate to act on Solis' confirmation as President Obama's Secretary of Labor.

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, 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.

The Illinois WOMEN VOTE! program hopes to reach nearly 17,000 households throughout the district leading up to the special election on March 3rd. The program will target likely female Democratic primary voters across the district and seek to educate them about state Representative Sara Feigenholtz’s background as an effective, progressive leader and advocate for women and families. The first in a series of five mailings will reach voters next week.

EMILY’s List WOMEN VOTE! has worked for more than a decade to inform and engage women voters in the electoral process on the premise that when women vote, women win. "Chicagoans are really ready for a change, and the more voters learn about Sara Feigenholtz and her progressive record of fighting for the middle class, the more excited they are going to be about voting for her,” said Maren Hesla, EMILY’s List WOMEN VOTE! director. “It is our hope that through these efforts, voters in the fifth district will be better informed on the issues that we know are important to them and that they will act on that information on election day.”

Launched in 1995, the historic EMILY’s List WOMEN VOTE! project combines polling and research, advanced information technology, sophisticated message testing, and precinct-by-precinct field work to mobilize millions of women voters across the country. EMILY’s List designed WOMEN VOTE! to build a progressive political base that will elect more Democrats, especially women, by helping to increase turnout among women voters year after year.

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. 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, 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.

"Robin Carnahan has a lengthy and impressive record of public service, and has experience running for -- and winning -- statewide office," said Ellen R. Malcolm, president of EMILY's List. "As secretary of state, Robin has stood out, working to reform elections in Missouri and tackling voter fraud. Her achievements were recognized in 2008 when she earned more votes than any other statewide Democratic candidate in Missouri history. EMILY's List and our members are proud to endorse Robin Carnahan and look forward to seeing her join Claire McCaskill in the United States Senate."

A fifth generation Missourian, Robin Carnahan learned the value of public service at the dinner table alongside her father, former Governor Mel Carnahan, and mother, former Senator Jean Carnahan. Robin Carnahan's commitment to her community led her to run for secretary of state in 2004, where she has since championed voter protection and government reform for both businesses and consumers. As secretary of state, Carnahan utilized modern technologies to streamline government and business interaction, saving Missouri businesses over $1.9 million and increasing protections for consumers and investors. She has fought for fair elections, increased accessibility to information, and strived to modernize and strengthen consumer protections.

With a background in business and international law, Carnahan previously served as an executive at the Export-Import Bank of the United States and worked with the National Democratic Institute, helping to rebuild central and eastern European democracies and economies.

EMILY's List first supported Robin Carnahan through our Political Opportunity Program in her run for secretary of state in 2004 and in her re-election in 2008. EMILY's List backed Senator Jean Carnahan when she narrowly lost to Jim Talent in a special election for the U.S. Senate in 2002. In 2006, EMILY's List supported Senator Claire McCaskill in her successful race against Talent.

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, 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.

For more information on EMILY's List and Robin Carnahan, please visit www.emilyslist.org.

“EMILY’s List is proud to endorse Senator Kirsten Gillibrand -- a great advocate for women and families,” said EMILY’s List President Ellen R. Malcolm. “In Congress, Gillibrand has fought for progressive policies such as equal pay and expanded health care for children. She has pioneered government accountability and transparency by becoming the first member of Congress to post her schedule online for all to see, and has championed economic development in a region hard-hit by the economic downturn. We look forward to her continued leadership for the people of New York and women across the country.”

Click here to learn more about Kirsten Gillibrand.

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, 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.

"I applaud Gov. Paterson's appointment of Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand to the United States Senate. In Congress, Gillibrand has been a leader for women and families, fighting for progressive policies such as equal pay and expanded health care for children. She has pioneered government accountability and transparency by becoming the first member of Congress to post her schedule online for all to see, and has championed economic development in a region hard-hit by the economic downturn. Gillibrand has dedicated herself to being a powerful voice for her constituents -- using her position on the Armed Services Committee to fight for veterans and her slot on the Agriculture Committee to protect upstate farms. We look forward to her continued leadership for the people of New York and women across the country.

"Today there are just 13 Democratic women in the U.S. Senate -- and for every woman in Congress, there are still more than five men. We are nowhere near a representative democracy that rightfully includes the full participation of half the population. EMILY's List and our members commend Gov. Paterson for his appointment and his understanding that there is still work to be done to ensure that women have an equal voice in government."

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, 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.

Click here for more information on Kirsten Gillibrand.

More than 2,000 people packed the Hilton Washington hotel to hear an all-star lineup of speakers including EMILY’s List President Ellen R. Malcolm, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Secretary of State-designate Hillary Clinton, Secretary of Labor-designate Hilda Solis, and Homeland Security Secretary-designate Janet Napolitano as well as Senator Kay Hagan of North Carolina, Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Congresswoman Gwen Moore of Wisconsin, and Governor Bev Perdue of North Carolina. Former EMILY’s List Executive Director and incoming White House Communications Director Ellen Moran also spoke at the event.

Malcolm commemorated these hard fought victories and spoke of the new era of women’s leadership in Washington and across the country.

“Our pro-choice Democratic women won critical races to build the political force that will change the direction of our country,” said Malcolm. “From Governor Chris Gregoire in Washington state to Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas in Florida, EMILY’s List helped our candidates build strong campaigns, raised millions of dollars to support them, and turned out the women voters who formed the foundation of their victories.”

“Today there are 61 Democratic women in the House--more than five times the number when EMILY’s List began supporting House candidates in 1988,” Malcolm continued. “Today there are a record 13 Democratic women in the Senate. Every Democratic woman in the history of this country who has been elected to the U.S. Senate in her own right has won with significant help from EMILY’s List. Our impact cannot be denied, for now three-quarters of the women in the House and Senate are Democrats. We -- you and I working together -- have made an historic difference.”

“But make no mistake; this is no time to rest on our laurels. For every woman in Congress, there are still more than five men. We are nowhere near a representative democracy that rightfully includes the full participation of half the population. EMILY’s List has made a significant difference, but our work is far from over,” said Malcolm.

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, 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.

“Rep. Sara Feigenholtz is a progressive state legislator and community leader who has made a life-long commitment to improve women’s health and lower health care costs for working families,” said Ellen R. Malcolm, president of EMILY’s List. “Illinois needs Sara’s leadership in Congress to work with President-elect Obama to create real change for our nation. EMILY’s List and its members are proud to support Sara Feigenholtz in her campaign to represent Illinois’s fifth congressional district.”

State Representative Feigenholtz has the experience needed to bring change from the city of Chicago to the halls of Congress. She has served seven terms in the Illinois House of Representatives, where she successfully championed issues pertaining to women, children, and seniors. In the state legislature, Feigenholtz led the charge to expand the state’s Family Care program to cover uninsured working parents and fought for legislation that helped improve health care for senior citizens.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of EMILY’s List and the support of so many dedicated women and men across the country,” said Rep. Sara Feigenholtz. “My experience as a community leader, state representative and health care reformer will enable me to bring about the change demanded by so many Americans to Congress.”

Born and raised in the fifth district, Feigenholtz has dedicated her life to public service. She has fought to strengthen the human services system, ensure equal protection under the law based on gender, sexual orientation, and religion, protect environmental resources, and reform the political system to combat corruption.

Click here to learn more about Sara Feigenholtz.

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, 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.

“I applaud President-elect Obama’s nomination of Congresswoman Hilda Solis as the next secretary of labor. A champion of issues concerning working women, Secretary-designate Solis will bring significant experience and a proven track record of coalition building to the Obama administration. She will take particular care to consider the rights of all workers and the value of women in the workplace. We look forward to the leadership of Secretary-designate Solis in advancing the safety and security of American workers and their families across the United States.”

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, 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.

"EMILY's List is excited to celebrate Mary Jo Kilroy's momentous victory in Ohio's 15th district. Mary Jo Kilroy is precisely the kind of experienced, principled leader the people of Ohio want representing them in Congress. This was a hard fought battle and well-deserved win that turned yet another seat from red to blue this cycle. EMILY's List and our members are proud that Mary Jo Kilroy will be joining 11 other new pro-choice Democratic congresswomen in the United States House of Representatives next year, the second largest increase in history."

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 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.

“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.

“North Carolina has made history again tonight by electing Bev Perdue as it first woman governor. A tremendously accomplished leader who has already lead the state with tenacity and success as Lt. Governor, she will continue to meet the challenges of North Carolina head-on. Bev Perdue follows in the footsteps of the great Ann Richards in becoming a pro-choice Democratic woman to govern a key southern state. Her plan to put this fast growing state on a positive new path won over voters across North Carolina. We are proud of the work EMILY’s List has done to support her campaign and to turnout key segments of the electorate to ensure victory for her and Kay Hagan.”

Facts on Perdue and EMILY's List in North Carolina

EMILY's List Political Opportunity Program in North Carolina

EMILY’s List also works to recruit, train, and support pro-choice Democratic women running for state legislative, constitutional, and key local offices through our Political Opportunity Program (POP). In the 2007-2008 cycle, EMILY’s List invested more than $2.3 million in helping women win these offices across the country.

EMILY’s List provides training to pro-choice Democratic women, whether they are thinking of running for office for the first time or are incumbent legislators facing tough challenges. EMILY’s List helps candidates build winning campaigns by providing strategic guidance, from advising candidates as they write a campaign plan to helping them develop a voter outreach strategy, and by making contributions to the campaigns of pro-choice Democratic women running in key, targeted races.

EMILY's List WOMEN VOTE!

In the 2007-2008 cycle, EMILY’s List invested nearly $7 million in its WOMEN VOTE! Program. The nation’s largest voter engagement strategy designed specifically for women voters, WOMEN VOTE! seeks to understand and educate women voters around the country and mobilize them on behalf of Democrats up and down the ballot. EMILY’s List WOMEN VOTE! reaches out to women voters through telephones, radio, direct mail, the Internet and personal door-to-door contact to motivate them to support Democratic candidates.

WOMEN VOTE! developed a campaign that used radio and the internet to target young voters in North Carolina. After finding that many young people did not feel that Senate, House, or Governor’s races would affect their lives, EMILY’s List WOMEN VOTE! Started the “Don’t Stop at the Top!” campaign, focused on why these races are so important. WOMEN VOTE! ran advertisements reminding voters that Barack Obama, Kay Hagan, and Bev Perdue cared about the issues that most affected their lives. Also, WOMEN VOTE! conducted a statewide online campaign targeting young voters with banner ads that emphasized the team of Obama, Hagan, and Perdue, and offered a link to a landing page with information on all three races.

About EMILY's List

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 71 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 13 to the U.S. Senate, eight governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices.