June 07, 2017 10:44 AM UTC

EMILY's List Backstops Cary Kennedy

• 4 Comments
• by: Colorado Pols

A not-unexpected but notable development in the Colorado Democratic gubernatorial primary, leading backer of Democratic women candidates EMILY’s List is throwing its considerable organizing weight behind former state treasurer Cary Kennedy:

Colorado is a true swing state whose Democratic governor is term-limited, leaving an open seat that has already attracted a crowded field of both Democrats and Republicans. Cary is sure to face a highly competitive primary election before she can go on to the general, and with our support she has what it takes to fight all the way and win for Colorado’s working families. Deep-pocketed special interests are sure to back the Republican nominee in this high-stakes race: The winner in 2018 will have an outsize influence on the next round of redistricting, the once-a-decade process of state redrawing the boundaries of statehouse and congressional seats.

Colorado is a top priority for EMILY’s List, and we are proud to have supported Cary for over a decade. Colorado has never before elected a woman governor, and Cary is poised to make history as the first. Women remain underrepresented in these powerful executive leadership positions, and as governor Cary will be able to make a tremendous positive impact in the lives of women and families.

As Donald Trump and his allies advance a dangerous agenda in Washington, putting all of our communities at risk, Cary will fight back to protect all Coloradans and to keep the state moving forward. The GOP will fight for this governorship with all they’ve got, so let’s show Cary the full support of the EMILY’s List community in this must-win fight for working families.

What matters here is not so much the fact that EMILY’s List is endorsing Kennedy, although that wasn’t exactly a foregone conclusion–but more the long-term strategic assistance the organization offers to Kennedy’s campaign. EMILY’s List’s experienced staff provide good advice for candidates in high-profile races, and the added visibility from being supported by this organization can be a help for fundraising across the country.

Without question it’s good news for Kennedy’s campaign. Yes, EMILY’s List works to support women running for office, but the candidate still has to meet standards for viability to win the organization’s support. This is a good indicator that, after a somewhat bumpy kickoff, Cary Kennedy is doing some things right.