EMILY’s List endorses challenger to Michigan Republican

EMILY’s List is backing a Democratic challenger to Republican Rep. Tim Walberg (Mich.).

The political action committee, which backs pro-abortion-rights Democratic women, endorsed Michigan state Rep. Gretchen Driskell (D) on Thursday, boosting her bid to become the first woman to hold the 7th Congressional District seat.

{mosads}“Gretchen Driskell is a tireless champion for Michigan women and families,” said Stephanie Schriock, the president of EMILY’s List, in a statement obtained exclusively by The Hill. “She’s an experienced public servant and businesswoman, and she has what it takes to increase economic opportunity for all Michigan working families.

“Gretchen [has] not only fought back against Republicans’ attempts to restrict Michigan women’s access to healthcare — she has sponsored legislation to increase it,” Schriock continued.

“The Seventh Congressional District has never elected a woman to Congress, but she has been winning tough races her entire career and is poised to be the first,” she said. “The EMILY’s List community of over 3 million members is proud to endorse Gretchen Driskell’s historic campaign.”

Schriock also praised Driskell for her extensive career in Michigan public service and her experience as a single mother who had raised three children.

“As a single mom who has raised three kids, Gretchen also understands that hardworking Michiganders need their elected leaders to fight for policies that give everyone a fair shot. She has an outstanding record of leadership as a city council woman, the longest serving mayor in Saline, [Mich.’s] history, and in the Michigan state house.”

EMILY’s List has long targeted Walberg’s seat, putting the incumbent lawmaker “on notice” last May.

The group cites Walberg’s support for privatizing Social Security and banning abortion except in rare circumstances to save the mother’s life.

Walberg was in the House from 2007 and 2009 and reelected again in 2011.

Democrats briefly held the seat after the 2008 election, but Walberg won reelection during the 2010 Tea Party wave.