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U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa was endorsed on Tuesday by EMILY’s List, the national political action committee that helps elect Democratic women who favor abortion rights.
The endorsement could help Hanabusa with national fundraising in her Democratic primary campaign next year against U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz.
"Colleen Hanabusa is an experienced progressive champion who has spent her career serving the people of Hawaii with passion and integrity. She’s a glass-ceiling breaker who was the first woman in Hawaii, and first Asian American woman in the country, to lead a state legislative chamber," Stephanie Schriock, EMILY’s List president, said in a statement.
"Hawaii has a rich tradition of women’s leadership and EMILY’s List is proud to have helped Colleen be a part of it."
EMILY’s List helped direct $215,640 in donations to Mazie Hirono’s successful campaign for U.S. Senate last year, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a Washington, D.C., group that tracks campaign finance. The national women’s group was Hirono’s top source of donations, according to the center.
EMILY’s List also backed U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard in the Democratic primary for the 2nd Congressional District, which covers rural Oahu and the neighbor islands.
EMILY’s List, in a statement on endorsing Hanabusa, said that if she wins next year, Hawaii would be the fourth state with two female senators.
Hanabusa said she is honored by the endorsement.
"I look forward to working with them in reaching out to women and men across Hawaii who are ready to stand up for vital individual rights."
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