EMILY’s List, a national organization committed to electing pro-choice women to office, placed Elizabeth Esty, a Democratic candidate in the Fifth Congressional District “On the List.”
EMILY’s List selects only progressive, pro-choice women who have shown they have a desire and the ability to win.
“On the List”, created because of dramatic growth in the EMILY’s List community, allow candidates to have early access to supporters ready to take action now.
“The best way to beat the Republican war on women is to send more Democratic women to Congress,” said EMILY’s List President Stephanie Schriock in an announcement.
EMILY’s List has given only seven candidates from across the country support. This honor gives Esty access to a national network of donors to help her raise money for what is shaping up to be a crowded race.
“An open seat is going to be a tough primary and a tough general election,” said Esty in a phone interview.
Esty is just one of the Democrats vying for U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy’s seat. Murphy is running for the U.S. Senate.
Mike Williams, Dan Roberti, and House Speaker Chris Donovan are also contending for the Democratic nomination.
“Elizabeth is an extraordinary leader and lifelong supporter of strong communities,” Schriock said. “As state representative, Elizabeth spearheaded legislation to defend victims of domestic violence and streamline government services for seniors. In Congress, Elizabeth will bring her dedication and passion to fight against the Republican war on women. EMILY’s List is proud to stand with Elizabeth Esty for Congress.”
Esty said she has been working hard with EMILY’s List since January and she was thrilled to be placed on the list this early in the race.
“People want someone who is going to work hard every day and that’s what I’m doing,” Esty said.
EMILY’s List raised more than $38.5 million in the 2009-2010 cycle to recruit and support women candidates, help them build strong campaigns, and mobilize women voters to turn out and vote.
Founded in 1985, EMILY’s List started with 25 women and has grown to more than 900,000 members, raising millions of dollars to help elect numerous women to office and becoming one of the largest political action committees in the nation.
“I am running for Congress to use my life’s experiences – as a mother, attorney and community advocate – to help Connecticut’s middle class, and I am grateful to have EMILY’s List’s support,” said Esty in an announcement. “With their help, I know we can win this campaign and start getting our country back on track.”
