IL 6: EMILY’s List Endorsement Not Just About Abortion

[Freddie Stubbs]

Illinois Democrat Tammy Duckworth received an endorsement from EMILY’s List because she agreed with the social-issue stand that is the group’s organizing principle: The influential political action organization only backs Democratic women candidates who support abortion rights.

But Duckworth, who is competing for the 6th District seat left open by retiring 16-term Republican Rep. Henry J. Hyde, also received the group’s nod for a politically pragmatic reason. EMILY’s List officials believe Duckworth — who has drawn national attention for the grievous war wounds she suffered while serving as a helicopter pilot in Iraq — is better suited than her two opponents in the March 21 primary to seriously compete this fall in the Republican-leaning 6th.

“Tammy has earned impressive support across the 6th Congressional District in Illinois, and demonstrated that she is one of our best opportunities to pick up a Democratic seat in the U.S. House,” EMILY’s List President Ellen Malcolm said in a statement released late Friday. “EMILY’s List considers this to be one of our top priority races and our membership will dedicate their considerable strength to seeing that Tammy Duckworth is victorious.”

more: http://www.cqpolitics.com/2006/02/il_6_emilys_list_endorsement_n.html

[Inland]

1. Duckworth supports abortion rights.

That isn't made clear until the end of the article.

[wndycty]

2. There are DUers who will mislead you and tell you she doesn't . . .

. . .that says very little about Tammy and more about his opponents.

[Inland]

3. I wanted to look for it, I knew there's been some dispute.

I think the article made it seem like Emily's list was breaking ground in backing an anti abortion rights woman, when it was breaking ground in taking sides between two anti abortion rights women.

[mopinko]

4. i'm scratching my head on this one

cuz i heard tammy, with my own ears, on wbez, say that she supports parental notification, as long as there is an exception for abusive situations, and for "non-traditional family situations"
christine supports a woman's right to choose, period, period period.

[minvis]

5. Where's the endorsement?

I just went on Emily's List. I don't see anything about Duckworth or the 6th District race there. Maybe I'm missing something.

http://www.emilyslist.org/

[Freddie Stubbs]

6. Just put up today

EMILY's List Announces Endorsement of Tammy Duckworth for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- EMILY's List, the nation's largest political and grassroots network and financial resource for women running for elective office, today announced its endorsement of Tammy Duckworth in her bid for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District.

“Tammy Duckworth has dedicated her life and career to serving her country and her community. She represents the Illinois value of hard work, and is a committed, diligent leader. As a member of Congress, she will fight for affordable health care, better schools, and sound fiscal management,” said Ellen R. Malcolm, president of EMILY's List. “Tammy has earned impressive support across the 6th Congressional District in Illinois, and demonstrated that she is one of our best opportunities to pick up a Democratic seat in the U.S. House. EMILY's List considers this to be one of our top priority races and our membership will dedicate their considerable strength to seeing that Tammy Duckworth is victorious.”

Tammy Duckworth has channeled her personal experience and expertise into being a passionate and articulate advocate for Americans’ right to quality, affordable healthcare. In Congress, she will fight to fix the deeply-flawed Medicare prescription drug program and seek to restore the shameful cuts in health benefits for veterans and their families. Duckworth has served her country and those in need in the U.S. and around the world. At the time of her deployment to Iraq, Duckworth was working as a staff supervisor at the worldwide headquarters of Rotary International. Among her projects was helping American Rotary clubs send wheelchairs to Iraq. Her career experience, strong local roots, and dedication to serving people demonstrate that Duckworth has what it takes to successfully win this Congressional seat.

“I’m running for Congress to fight for my country because I believe we need to change course and bring new leadership to Washington. We need to face up to our tough challenges when it comes to creating jobs, providing a quality education for our kids and making healthcare affordable to all.” said Duckworth. “I am proud to have earned the support of the thousands of individual women and men in Illinois and across the country who are members of EMILY's List. I’m ready to go to Washington to provide new leadership and face the tough challenges that confront us.”

more: http://www.emilyslist.org/newsroom/releases/20060222.html

[minvis]

7. OK

Guess I just looked too early last night.