Hanabusa endorsed in Hawaii by Emily’s List Hanabusa endorsed in Hawaii by Emily’s List ADVERTISING HONOLULU (AP) — A national group that pushes for women who support abortion rights in Congress is endorsing U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in Hawaii’s U.S.
Hanabusa endorsed in Hawaii by Emily’s List
HONOLULU (AP) — A national group that pushes for women who support abortion rights in Congress is endorsing U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in Hawaii’s U.S. Senate race.
Emily’s List announced its endorsement of Hanabusa over fellow Democrat and incumbent U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz on Tuesday.
Emily’s List President Stephanie Schriock said in a statement that Hanabusa broke a glass ceiling by being the first woman in Hawaii and the first Asian-American woman in the country to lead a state legislative chamber.
“Hawaii has a rich tradition of women’s leadership, and Emily’s List is proud to have helped Colleen be a part of it,” Schriock said. “Now the Emily’s List community is ready to fight for her every step of the way so that she can take her place as a senator from Hawaii.”
Hanabusa is challenging Schatz to fill the final two years of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye’s original term. Inouye died in December.
Schatz was appointed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to replace Inouye, but Inouye had said he wanted Hanabusa in the post.
Hanabusa publicly announced her intention to run last week. The primary is scheduled for August 2014, with the winner taking on a Republican or other opponents the following November.
Schatz said he welcomes Hanabusa to the race.
Hanabusa said in a statement she is honored to have the support of a group protective of women’s health and safety.
“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,” she said.
