2012 Endorsed Candidates

Marsha Blackburn was a strong advocate for Life in the Tennessee State House and has continued her fight for the unborn in Congress, serving since 2002, in the same district former Vice President Al Gore once represented. Blackburn has co-sponsored major pieces of pro-life legislation throughout her career and most recently has been an outspoken advocate in support of Congressional hearings on Planned Parenthood. This past May she gave a passionate speech in support of banning sex-selection abortions. Representative Blackburn served as an assistant whip in the 108th and 109th Congress, and served as deputy whip for the 110th and 111th Congress.

As a nurse, Renee Ellmers has a passion for protecting unborn children. Prior to serving in Congress, Renee Ellmers and her husband, a local doctor, worked with the pro-life movement in North Carolina for many years. While in Congress, Rep. Ellmers co-sponsored eight different pro-life bills that included the Ultrasound Informed Consent Act and the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act.  She also was an outspoken voice in the House to defund Planned Parenthood and has been very vocal about the need for Congressional hearings on Planned Parenthood.

During her first term in Congress, Vicky Hartzler, a former state legislator and high school teacher, has been a proven leader for Life. A strong advocate for adoption, Congresswoman Hartzler and her husband adopted their daughter in 1999, following Rep. Hartzler’s final term in the Missouri State House. Congresswoman Hartzler is also the author of the book, Running God’s Way: Step by Step to a Successful Political Campaign. Since her election in 2010, Congresswoman Hartzler has earned a 100% NRLC voting record and co-sponsored various pro-life bills. Not only does she vote pro-life, but she hasn’t shied away from speaking out for unborn children on the House floor, as she did during the debate on defunding Planned Parenthood at the federal level. She faces well-funded pro-abortion Democrat, Teresa Hensley, in the general election.

Congressman Steve King faces a stiff challenge from Christie Vilsack, an EMILY’s List endorsed candidate and wife of former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack. Throughout his career, King has not only voted pro-life, but has been a constant leader on the issue. He played a major role in the battle to defund Planned Parenthood at the federal level and was key in securing a floor vote on banning sex-selective abortions this past May. EMILY's List and Planned Parenthood have made King a top target to defeat because of his outspoken leadership for Life. We must support this fearless leader and ensure he is re-elected in November.