EMILY’s List Candidates Pick Up Key Endorsements

Three EMILY’s List-backed candidates in Ohio, Arizona, and New York won important endorsements this week, potentially adding momentum to three Democrats’ efforts to win Republican-held seats.

In Ohio’s 7th district, Democratic candidate Sharen Neuhardt got the nod from the Dayton Daily News, the district’s main paper, in her bid against Republican state Sen. Steve Austria. The two are facing off to replace Rep. Dave Hobson (R), who is retiring.

In Arizona’s 1st district, the Arizona Daily Star endorsed state Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D) against mining lobbyist Sydney Ann Hay. The paper’s endorsement could shore up a win for Kirkpatrick, who is hoping to replace scandal-plagued, retiring Rep. Rick Renzi (R).

Former Democratic candidate Jon Powers also endorsed Democratic nominee Alice Kryzan in New York’s 26th district. Powers had been considered the frontrunner in the race until Kryzan pulled an upset in the early September primary. Powers had remained on the ticket as the candidate for the Working Families Party (WFP) in the district until he moved out of state, leaving the WFP open to nominate Kryzan, as well.

Kryzan is facing off against Republican Chris Lee, both of whom hope to succeed Rep. Tom Reynolds (R), who is retiring.

–Michael O’Brien