(Trenton) -- The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey announced today it is endorsing 27 women in their bids to win seats in the state Assembly. To help insure that these impressive women achieve their goals, the bi-partisan caucus is contributing a total of $13,350 to their campaigns. The announcement was made at a State House press conference with candidates from both sides of the aisle present.
"New Jersey is now among the nation's top 10 states for the highest percentage of women in the Legislature. Today, 27 women hold office in the Assembly and there is a real potential to win more seats in November due to the fact that so many women are competing this year," said Hollie Gilroy, president of the bi-partisan organization. "In addition, we're supporting a record number of women in the Assembly, a testimony to our mission of creating political equality for women," Gilroy added.
The Caucus is endorsing 27 women - an increase over 2007, when the Caucus endorsed 24 women.
"The women endorsed today include 21 Democrats and six Republicans. Nineteen of them are incumbents, while eight are challengers. They are an impressive cadre of talented women, who are ready to bring their unique perspectives to the State House and work diligently for voters across New Jersey," said Connie McGhee, chairwoman of the WPC-NJ political action committee.
The Caucus also made a recommendation in the gubernatorial race - recognizing the presence of two progressive, pro-choice women running for the first Lieutenant Governor's position.
In making its recommendation, the Women's Political Caucus Board said:
"For nearly 40 years the Caucus has worked to empower highly accomplished, progressive, pro-choice women. This year the organization was gratified when the state's two leading parties selected two such women as candidates for Lieutenant Governor. The nominees, Sheriff Kim Guadagno and state Sen. Loretta Weinberg, exemplify the best of what New Jersey offers its voters in this historic election."
The Caucus recommended the slate headed by Gov. Jon Corzine and Sen. Weinberg because as pro-choice candidates they both support the core principals of the Caucus.
As a women's political organization, the Caucus refrains from endorsing men. But candidates who share the organization's pro-choice mission receive its recommendation. Twenty-five men earned that distinction this year.
A complete list of the endorsed and recommended candidates is attached.
For more information on the Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey,
visit www.wpcnj.org
-30-
Candidates Receiving Endorsement of Women's Political Caucus of NJ
*signifies incumbent
Celeste Riley (D)* - District 3
Pamela Lampitt (D)* - District 6
Dawn Marie Addiego (R)* - District 8
Debbie Sarcone (D) - District 8
Michele Roth (D) - District 12
Amy Handlin (R)* - District 13
Linda Greenstein (D)* - District 14
Bonnie Watson Coleman(D)* - District 15
Kim Taylor (R) - District 15
Roberta Karpinecz (D) - District 16
Annette Quijano (D)* - District 20
Nancy Munoz (R)* - District 21
Linda Stender (D)* - District 22
Tammeisha Smith (D) - District 23
Rebeka Conroy (D) - District 25
Mila Jasey (D)* - District 27
Cleopatra Tucker (D)* - District 28
L. Grace Spencer (D)* - District 29
Marie Day (R) - District 31
Joan Quigley (D)* - District 32
Sheila Oliver (D)* - District 34
Nellie Pou (D)* - District 35
Elease Evans (D)* - District 35
Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D)* - District 37
Joan Voss (D)* - District 38
Concetta Wagner (D)* - District 38
Charlotte Vandervalk (R)* - District 39
Candidates Receiving Recommendation of Women's Political Caucus of NJ
* Signifies Incumbent
Jon. S. Corzine & Loretta Weinberg* Candidates for Governor/Lt. Governor
John Amodeo (R) - District 2 *
Reginal Floyd (D) - District 2
John Burzichelli (D) - District 3*
Paul Moriarty (D) - District 4*
William Collins (D) - District 4*
Louis Greenwald (D) - District 6*
Herb Conway (D) - District 7 *
Richard Vistocky (D) - District 9
David Wolfe (R) - District 10*
Jim Holzapfel (R) - District 10*
J. Randy Bishop (D) - District 11
Richard Bolger (D) - District 11
Peter Biondi (R) - District 16*
Upendra Chivukula (D) - District 17*
Salim Nathoo (R) - District 17
Robert Jones (R) - District 18
Patrick Diegnan (D) - District 18*
John Wisniewski (D) - District 19*
Craig Coughlin (D) - District 19
Wayne Marek (D) - District 26
Douglas Herbert (D) - District 26
Alberto Coutinho (D) - District 29*
Ruben Ramos Jr. (D) - District 33*
Frederick Scalera (D) - District 36*
Gordon Johnson (D) - District 37*