EMILY’s List announced Thursday that it is backing Cheryle Jackson’s bid for Senate in Illinois. The president of Chicago Urban League is one of three Democrats in the race for President Barack Obama’s former Senate seat, and the endorsement from the abortion-rights group could help her significantly with fundraising for her underdog bid.“Cheryle Robinson Jackson is a dynamic and charismatic leader who is hands down the best candidate to keep President Obama’s former Senate seat in the Democratic column,— EMILY’s List President Ellen Malcolm said in a statement. “As the first female president of the Chicago Urban League and after holding high-level positions with Amtrak and National Public Radio, Cheryle is an experienced executive dedicated to fostering economic growth and empowering people across Illinois.—Jackson, who formally announced her candidacy this week, has an uphill climb in the race. Public polling has shown state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, the only statewide elected candidate in the race, with a large lead in the Democratic primary. Giannoulias has the backing of several powerful labor unions, and Members of Congress have endorsed his candidacy.Another Democrat, former Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman, also announced his candidacy this week. The Democratic nominee is expected to face Rep. Mark Kirk (R) in the general election.Appointed Sen. Roland Burris (D) is not running for a full term in 2010.