Bev Perdue, a rare breed

This morning we learned that Bev Perdue, Governor of North Carolina, has decided not to run for reelection in November. Her announcement made us reflect back upon her amazing record and committed service as Governor of North Carolina and as a strong voice of the EMILY's List community. And the more we thought about it, the more we realized that Governor Perdue is a rare breed.

First of all, Governor Perdue has had a career full of 'firsts.' She was the first female Governor of North Carolina, as well as the state's first female Lieutenant Governor. Governor Perdue is the first pro-choice woman governor in the South since Ann Richards. Right now she is one of only two Democratic women governors in the country. That's right, there are only two. And since Governor Christine Gregoire of Washington is not running for reelection either, soon there won't be any.

A champion for choice, education, and job creation, Governor Perdue has fought hard for the people of North Carolina throughout her more than 25 years of service. Because of Governor Perdue, North Carolinians hit hard by the recession continued to receive unemployment benefits and thousands of uninsured children received healthcare.

Thank you for your service and hard work, Governor.

Thank you also to the nearly one million members of the EMILY's List community for your support for Governor Perdue, as well as the many other pro-choice women candidates running for office.

The Governor's announcement today, as well as the opportunity for reflection it provides, just goes to show how much we need people like Governor Perdue in state capitals all over the country. Governor Perdue took office because of the support and donations of thousands of committed men and women across the country just like you.

Today, the EMILY's List community is nearly one million members strong, and we are working hard every day to help more women like Governor Perdue win races all across the nation. We pledge to support more pro-choice women governors like Governor Perdue. Do you?

Related Blog Posts:
Gabby's Victory

"Tough, tough, tough"

"You're beaten up, but not beaten"