House Race Hotline Update: See Emily Play
EMILY's List's new endorsements indicate that the group is taking early steps to ensure the strongest Dems emerge -- even in primaries where two women are running.
-- In AZ 08, they endorsed ex-state Sen. Gabrielle Giffords (D), who worked closely with EMILY's List in the legislature. She won a GOP-leaning state Senate seat, and has earned the lion's share of establishment support. But ex-TV anchor Patty Weiss (D) has raised a respectable $183K, and boasts high name ID from her time on the news.
-- They're also backing ex-LG Mazie Hirono in a crowded Dem primary field in HI 02. The ex-LG lost to Gov. Linda Lingle (R) in '02, but is looking to make a comeback. Her main rival, Colleen Hanabusa (D), has served in the state Senate for 8 years.
-- EMILY's List has been active this cycle, getting involved in 5 primaries with two women running (MN SEN, IL 06 OH 13 being the others). Meanwhile, the DCCC is steering clear of picking favorites in these races. Will EMILY's List's early intervention pay off for Dems in the long-term? [JOSH KRAUSHAAR] 