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EMILY’s List Backs Six House Candidates

EMILY’s List, an organization that backs female Democratic candidates who support abortion rights, rolled out six candidates who made their “On the List” designation.

Most of the EMILY’s List candidates are in line with the plans of other Democratic groups, but at least one has the potential to upset other national Democratic groups.

“On the List” is a tier below the group’s full endorsements, which are typically doled out later in the cycle.

Those “On the List” are:

California’s 31st: Attorney Eloise Reyes
Incumbent: Republican Rep. Gary G. Miller
This race is one of  the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s biggest regrets from 2012. This EMILY’s List support could complicate Democratic plans. They lost this winnable seat in 2012 because no Democrat made it through California’s jungle primary system. This year, the DCCC has made it plain that it prefers Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar. Former Democratic Rep. Joe Baca is also running for the seat after losing re-election in another district. Until making EMILY’s List, Reyes was hardly mentioned in campaign coverage, but the backing gives her credibility. No organized Republican has emerged as a threat to block out Democrats again, but a primary with three organized candidates has to make Democrats nervous.

Illinois’ 13th: Former County Court Judge Ann Callis
Incumbent: Republican Rep. Rodney Davis
Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn recently appointed a perennial Democratic candidate and possible spoiler, likely clearing the field for Callis, a top DCCC recruit.

Massachusetts’ 5th: State Sen. Katherine Clark
Incumbent: Democratic Rep. Edward J. Markey
This will materialize into an open-seat race if Markey is elected to the Senate on June 25. CQ Roll Call recently profiled the possible contenders.

Florida’s 13th: Attorney Jessica Ehrlich
Incumbent: Republican Rep. C.W. Bill Young
This is a competitive seat, but Young’s name identification held steady in 2012. That said, his first-quarter fundraising was weak. State Republicans say they do not see retirement in the tea leaves, but if he does retire — game on.

Florida’s 2nd: Attorney Gwen Graham
Incumbent: Republican Rep. Steve Southerland II
Graham is the daughter of former Democratic Sen. Bob Graham. She was one of the first House candidates to announce this cycle.

New York’s 23rd: Tompkins County Legislator Martha Robertson
Incumbent: Republican Rep. Tom Reed
Robertson announced her challenge in April.

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