EMILY’s List, a resource for women in politics, announced its endorsement of Libby Mitchell for Governor of Maine.

“During her time in the legislature, Libby was able to bring Republicans and Democrats together to help working families and small businesses, expand Head Start, and move Maine towards a more sustainable future. We are excited to endorse Libby Mitchell are looking forward to help elect her the first woman governor of Maine,” said Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILY’s List. “Libby is a leader who will champion the causes that are central to Maine’s families, like a growing and stable economy, green energy jobs, and expanding health care for all.  In 2010, EMILY’s List is dedicated to electing women Governors, like Libby Mitchell, who will fight for women and families – not for corporations — and will ensure that our fundamental rights and freedoms are protected.”

Mitchell has dedicated her life to public service. She served nine terms in the House and three in the Senate. Mitchell was the first woman in America elected to serve both as speaker of the state House and then as president of the state Senate.

In the 2007-2008 cycle, EMILY’s List raised more than $43 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 80 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 15 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices.