EMILY’s List backs Shea-Porter in Dem primary

EMILY’s List on Wednesday threw its support behind former Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-N.H.) in the Democratic primary to take on embattled Rep. Frank Guinta (R-N.H.).

EMILY’s List, which backs female Democratic candidates who support abortion rights, endorsed the former lawmaker over businessman Shawn O’Connor. The Democratic primary will be held on Feb. 9.

{mosads}The group, which has lent its support to Shea-Porter in her past congressional bids, called her a “tireless champion” for women and families.

“As the first woman elected to represent New Hampshire in Congress, Carol began a strong tradition of women’s leadership,” said Stephanie Schriock, EMILY’s List’s president. “She is a leader in the fight to end gender discrimination in pay, and, as a former social worker, she is a powerful advocate for policies that give all Granite Staters a fair shot.”

If Shea-Porter wins the nomination, it could be her fourth race against Guinta, who faces a primary challenger of his own in businessman Dan Innis.

Innis also challenged Guinta in 2014.

Guinta will also have to overcome questions about an Federal Election Commission investigation that found he accepted an illegal donation from his parents. Guinta has since agreed to pay back the loan.

The New Hampshire swing district went to Barack Obama in 2008 and again in 2012, by a 1-point margin. It’s a key seat for Democrats to win, but the party still faces an uphill battle to capture a majority in the House.

Democrats will need to net 30 House seats to gain a majority in the lower chamber.