Rep. Carolyn Maloney announced this morning she’s picked up the endorsement of Emily’s List, the influential pro-choice political action committee. Gearing up for the upcoming Democratic Primary, Maloney faces a challenge from Reshma Saujani, who’s touted her online fundraising prowess. The support of Emily’s List (not a surprise). But as the Observer’s Azi Paybarah notes, it will “help her raise money and expand her presence online.”
In a news release we received a short time ago, Emily’s List President Stephanie Schriock said, “…Congresswoman Maloney has been a leader in Washington and a tremendous advocate for New York City. She has earned a reputation as a tireless supporter for women and families and the protection of a woman’s right to choose. I know Carolyn will continue to make New Yorkers proud for years to come.”
In January, the Times suggested that Saujani’s candidacy was “antagonizing some of New York’s best-known feminists.”
…her campaign has rankled many feminists, whose loyalty Ms. Maloney won decades ago for her work on mammograms, equal pay, reproductive rights and violence against women. Marilyn Fitterman, a former state president of the National Organization for Women, appealed to Ms. Saujani in an e-mail message not to challenge Ms. Maloney “if you care anything about women’s rights.” Geraldine A. Ferraro, the former House member and vice-presidential candidate, also urged Ms. Saujani to wait. “She’s ending her political career before it starts,” Ms. Ferraro said. “That’s not a threat, it’s a statement of fact. You don’t, if you’re a Democrat, challenge an incumbent Democrat who has a position of power to get things done just because you feel like this is something you want to do.”
Maloney represents the Upper East Side, parts of Queens and much of the Lower East Side.
