“This is a targeted opposition program,” said Emily’s List President Stephanie Schriock. “This group of Republicans has been particularly bad at supporting women and their families, not least with votes to defund Planned Parenthood.”

The first 50 targets of the program — aggressive messaging meant to encourage candidates, activists and media in the district — include each Republican in a seat Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton won last year, and a few in what seemed to be safe seats. The Montana-born Schriock has included Rep. Greg Gianforte (R-Mont.) on the list, despite his special-election victory; other targets include Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) and Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.), who were seen to be secure in gerrymandered districts.

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“This is a result of the wave of interest by women in running for office,” Schriock said. “In all of these seats, we’re going to have strong women candidates. They’re going to have the resources that we know can make a difference.”

Schriock couldn’t say how much money that meant, though she pointed out that Emily’s List spent a record $36 million in 2016 through its PAC.

The backlash to President Trump’s administration has sparked unprecedented candidate interest in both swing and seemingly out-of-reach seats; there are more Democratic challengers running now than in the last three cycles combined. Emily’s List is one of several groups playing early in House races as two factors converge — a surge of competitive campaigns and worry that strong candidates will be bloodied by primaries.

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