Women's groups praise Obama's cabinet appointments

Two women’s organization’s Monday praised President-elect Barack Obama for his appointment of three prominent women to powerful posts within his administration.

EMILY’s List President Ellen R. Malcolm said:

EMILY’s List and our members strongly commend President-elect Obama’s nominations of these exceptional women to top posts on his national security team.

Senator Hillary Clinton’s long history of public service, foreign diplomacy, and her tenure on the Senate Armed Services Committee make her an exceptional choice for Secretary of State. Senator Clinton and President-elect Obama will work together to mend America’s image and strengthen our alliances abroad.

As Governor and the former U.S. Attorney and first female Attorney General for Arizona, Janet Napolitano has already experienced some of the immigration and border security challenges that she’ll face as secretary of homeland security. Her common sense approach to public policy and governing will continue to serve America well.   

EMILY’s List and its members celebrate the nominations of Senator Clinton and Governor Napolitano, along with Dr. Susan Rice, who will serve as the next Ambassador to the United Nations. President-elect Obama deserves much credit for his strong choices to lead these critical departments and for his commitment to adding great women to his administration

Later this afternoon, NOW President Kim Gandy said:

As a candidate, President-elect Barack Obama made clear his commitment to equal opportunity, and today's cabinet announcements begin to fulfill those values. I know from personal experience that Sen.

Hillary Rodham Clinton is admired and trusted around the world and, as she carries out the responsibilities of Secretary of State, I am confident that the well-being of the world's women will be on her mind.

In addition, Gov. Janet Napolitano as Secretary of Homeland Security and Eric Holder as Attorney General will bring knowledge and experience to the Cabinet, and well as a commitment to the core values of equality and human rights. NOW has worked with all three of these nominees, and we look forward to collaborating with them on violence against women and other civil, immigrant and women's rights concerns.

Finally, Susan Rice will bring foreign policy depth as ambassador to the United Nations, and the intended return of that position to Cabinet rank will bring the count to three women (of nearly two dozen possible) at that level. We hope that the diversity of today's nominations will be mirrored in future selections, and look forward to working with the Obama-Biden administration to expand equality and human rights at home and abroad.