EMILY’s List, a well-funded national group that supports female pro-abortion rights candidates, today endorsed Attorney General Martha Coakley just four days after she announced her bid for governor.
The nod from the group, while widely expected, is almost certain to be a boon for Coakley as she works to build the network of state and national support she needs to raise the money necessary to run a successful race for governor in a competitive Democratic primary field.
“Martha Coakley is a trailblazer who has shown unwavering commitment to serving her community and Massachusetts as a strong advocate and problem solver for nearly three decades,” Stephanie Schriock, the president of EMILY’s List, said in a statement. “Martha Coakley will be the kind of bold, pragmatic governor that Massachusetts women and families need, and The EMILY’s List community – now more than two million members strong – is excited to support her campaign.”
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During the 2011-2012 election, the organization raised more than $52 million, according to a spokeswoman.
The Democratic field of gubernatorial candidates in Massachusetts includes Juliette N. Kayyem, a former Globe editorial page columnist and onetime state and federal homeland security official; Joseph C. Avellone, a biotechnology executive; and Donald M. Berwick, a former Obama administration health care official.
On the Republican side, Charles D. Baker, the 2010 GOP nominee, is running.
Coakley, who lost the 2010 US special Senate election to Republican Scott Brown, launched her campaign on Monday with three-day tour of gladhanding stops around the state.
Joshua Miller can be reached at joshua.miller@globe.com