waiting for emily?

"With the issue of reproductive rights 'likely to play a defining role' in
the PA 08 race, there is "some grumbling" in Dem circles about the 'tepid
interest" that an influential abortion rights group has taken in the
'competitive" open-seat contest.'

"Atty Ginny Schrader (D) and Bucks Co. Commissioner Michael Fitzpatrick (R)
are squaring off in the late-breaking race to succeed Rep. Jim Greenwood
(R) -- an 'outspoken advocate' of abortion rights in Congress. Schrader
'supports' reproductive rights while Fitzpatrick 'opposes' abortion rights
in most cases.

But EMILY's List -- the organization that helps 'steer millions' to Dem
women candidates who support abortion rights -- is still mulling over
whether to endorse Schrader's bid.

"EMILY's List spokesperson, Romona Oliver: 'We are still sort of in the
process of doing the assessment on that campaign. ... It takes a little
bit of time but we are moving it forward. There's a lot of thought and
work that goes into making decisions about endorsements.'

"While two other 'prominent' nat'l abortion rights groups -- NARAL
Pro-Choice America and Planned Parenthood -- have already endorsed
Schrader, the backing of EMILY's List could 'provide a financial windfall'
for the Dem underdog, who is faced with having to buy TV ad time in the
'expensive' Philly market." (Whittington, Roll Call, 9/30).