Hassan Rival: EMILY's List Could Divide NH Women

Gubernatorial candidate Jackie Cilley today slammed an influential women's political action committee for making an endorsement that she argued could divide the female electorate and weaken the voting process.

Cilley, of Barrington, is running against Maggie Hassan, of Exeter, for the Democratic nomination for governor. They are the only female candidates in the race so far.

Earlier today, EMILY's List – a pro-choice group with deep pockets – Hassan. Her campaign said it was "thrilled," and that the endorsement represented "big momentum."

The endorsement obviously angered the Cilley campaign, which released the following statement:

"By announcing Maggie Hassan as its candidate of choice today, Emily's List has shown a lack of sensitivity to the electoral process here in New Hampshire. Only a few weeks ago Emily's List advised me that Hampshire voters would have the chance to choose their preferred candidate at the Primary prior to any decision being taken regarding endorsement. At no time did we ever sit down and discuss my experience and commitment to women's issues, my campaign plan and the qualifications of my team.

Whatever the reasons, Emily's List made its choice now, even prior to formal electoral filing dates and without a discussion with their members in the State. Many of their members endorse my candidacy and and have expressed deep disappointment over these recent developments.

By acting prematurely, the actions take by Emily's List can potentially divide the women's community and weaken the Democratic primary process.  Let our voters decide who they think is the best person to be Governor. Let the will of the people determine the electoral outcome of the Primary and save the influence of Emily's List to help with winning the race against the Republicans."

EMILY is an acronym that stands for "Early Money Is Like Yeast." The organization has given more than $86 million to the campaigns of pro-choice female candidates to help get them elected. It operates on the philsophy that giving money to candidates early in their campaigns will help them reel in more money as Election Day approaches.

In its endorsement of Hassan, the group said:

“Maggie Hassan is a principled leader with a proven record of working hard for New Hampshire’s women and families.

Maggie was a tireless advocate for job creation, education and women’s health throughout her time in the State Senate. Her dedicated leadership is exactly what New Hampshire needs in a governor.

EMILY’s List was with Maggie when she was first elected to the State Senate in 2004, and we are thrilled to stand with her strong campaign again today.”

Hassan is currently prominently featured on the EMILY's List website.

As of early this month, EMILY's List had not given money to Hassan's campaign, according to OpenSecrets.org, a group that tracks money in politics. EMILY's List this year has given more than $300,000 to the campaign of Elizabeth Warren, who's running for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts.

Hassan and Cilley are also competing against Danbury's Bill Kennedy for the Democratic nomination for governor. The Primary is in September.