Blake’s Blog

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen couldn't be blamed for feeling a little paranoid about EMILY’s List. The influential political action group really does seem to be out to get him.

Two years ago, EMILY’s List endorsed Nikki Tinker, one of Cohen’s opponents in a crowded race to replace Harold Ford Jr. for the Ninth District Congressional seat.

That generated some buzz at the time, since EMILY’s List commits only to endorsing unabashedly pro-choice candidates and an argument could be (and was) made that Cohen’s position on pro-choice issues was much stronger (and clearer) than Tinker’s.

Fast forward two years ahead, and EMILY’s List has once again endorsed Tinker over Cohen, over the objections of some pro-choice advocates who contend Cohen’s voting record has been exemplary on those types of issues.

In an interview with The Commercial Appeal’s editorial board today, Cohen noted that it’s unusual for EMILY’s List to target incumbents, with the exception of those who have some kind of political vulnerability, like Louisiana Rep. William Jefferson, who was discovered to have a stash of allegedly ill-gotten money in his freezer.

"All I have in my freezer is coffee, beer mugs and broccoli," Cohen quipped.

Then he added that EMILY’s List may be looking for an easy win, like having the University of Memphis football team schedule a game against Nicholls State.

"Basically, I’m Nicholls State to them," Cohen said. "(But) they’re going to find out I’m not Nicholls State. I think Nicholls State beat Alabama a couple of years ago."