EMILY’s List backs Rep. Cohen’s primary opponent

For the second time this election cycle the influential political action committee EMILY's List is taking on a Democratic incumbent.

The group, which backs female candidates who support abortion rights, announced Friday its support for Democrat Nikki Tinker in her primary challenge to Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.).

{mosads}The group helped Democrat Donna Edwards defeat Rep. Al Wynn (D-Md.) in the February primary.

It is the second straight cycle the group has backed Tinker, but EMILY’s List spokeswoman Ramona Oliver said the decision was more difficult now that Cohen is the incumbent.

Cohen defeated a crowded field of Democrats in 2006 to win an open seat and become one of very few white representatives from a majority-black district.

“This is a very different race and, particularly under these circumstances, we spent a significant amount of time assessing the race,” Oliver said.

Cohen appears to be bolstered again by a crowded primary featuring several black candidates in addition to Tinker, a former campaign manager to Cohen’s predecessor, Rep. Harold Ford Jr. (D).

Tinker finished second in 2006, six points behind Cohen’s 31 percent.

The EMILY’s List support should help Tinker close the fundraising gap. Cohen outraised her $520,000 to $290,000 through March 31.

Cohen released a poll this month from Lake Research Partners showing him leading Tinker 63-11.

The primary is set for Aug. 7.