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For Emily’s List, choosing Janice Hahn must have come easy

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Emily’s List, the national organization that raises money for Democratic women candidates who are abortion rights advocates, stayed out of the crowded special primary election to replace former Rep. Jane Harman (D-Venice.) At least three of the substantial contenders in that May 17 election fit the organization’s criteria -- Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn, Secretary of State Debra Bowen and antiwar activist and teacher Marcy Winograd.

But now that the field is down to Hahn and Republican businessman Craig Huey for the July 12 runoff, Emily’s List had no problem choosing a candidate to back. On Wednesday the organization endorsed -- no surprise -- Hahn.

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‘Republican self-funder Craig Huey would add ranks to a party currently waging war on American women and families and attempting to end Medicare as we know it,’ the organization said in a statement announcing its endorsement of Hahn. ‘Janice has been a strong advocate for the people of Los Angeles during her tenure as city councilwoman, championing job creation and protection and promoting green technology as a way to grow our economy.’

Emily’s List, which first supported Hahn during her successful 2001 run for City Council, said that during the 2009-2010 election cycle it raised more than $38.5 million to support its ‘mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates,’ including helping them build strong campaigns and mobilizing women voters.

Huey put $500,000 of his own money into the special primary for the 36th Congressional District, giving him the biggest war chest of the 16 candidates. Hahn raised more than $424,000 and had additional help from some local labor unions and a physicians insurance group.

-- Jean Merl

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