Stephanie Schriock, the campaign manager many credit with giving the Al Franken operation a winning focus, has been named president of EMILY’s List, the organization dedicated to raising money for pro-choice Democratic women candidates.
Schriock, whose Minnesota roots go back to Mankato State University, was a late addition to the Franken’s Senate campaign at a time when polls showed him lagging far behind incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman. Franken credited her with bringing “maturity” and focus to his campaign. Strategically, she was preparing the campaign for the possibility of a recount before the election was even held.
Schriock is considered a behind-the-scenes star by many in the Democratic Party. That label was first won when she was the national finance director for Howard Dean’s 2004 campaign for president. Dean fell short, but his use of the Internet as a fundraising device was considered groundbreaking.
Her star rose further when she was the campaign manager of Montana Sen. John Tester, who managed to come out of political obscurity and knock off three-term incumbent Republican Conrad Burns in 2006.
With encouragement from national Democrats concerned about the status of his campaign, Franken “borrowed” Schriock from Tester’s office, where she was chief of staff. She returned to that position after Franken’s victory.
“She’s got the drive, the smarts and the work ethic it takes for success in anything she does,” said Tester of her.
Schriock will succeed EMILY’s List founder and President Ellen Malcolm, who will remain as chairwoman of the organization’s board of directors.
EMILY’s List, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, is believed to be the largest financial resource outlet for women candidates. In the 2007-08 election cycle, it raised more than $43 million.
“I look forward to growing the organization and reaching out to the millions of young women who will further change the future of politics in America,” Schriock said in a statement.
