Experts

Elizabeth J. Shipp currently serves as the Political Director for NARAL Pro-Choice America. Prior to her arrival at NARAL Pro-Choice America in 2003, Ms. Shipp worked on a variety of federal and state campaigns throughout the nation. In 2002, as Coordinated Campaign Director for the North Dakota Dem-NPL Party, Ms. Shipp oversaw the statewide effort that re-elected Congressman Earl Pomeroy and increased the numbers of Democrats in the state House and state Senate. Prior to the 2002 cycle, Ms. Shipp worked on campaigns all across the country from city council races to U.S. Senate races. She has served in many capacities during her political career, including Scheduler, Press Secretary, Field Director, Finance Director, Deputy Campaign Manager and Campaign Manager.

Since 1993, Ms. Shipp has worked for campaigns in Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Alabama, and North Dakota. In 2000, she managed the successful re-election campaign of Senator Kent Conrad. Senator Conrad won with 62% of the vote in a state which in the same year elected George W. Bush with 60% of the vote. Other notable campaigns included her work as Communications Director for Michael Coles during his 1996 campaign against Newt Gingrich. Through the combined efforts of the entire staff and a strong media presence in the district, Mr. Coles received 44% of the vote in a 26% Democratic Performance District. Ms. Shipp returned to Georgia in 1998 to manage Mr. Coles' race for U.S. Senate. Other notable candidates for whom Ms. Shipp has worked include former Governors Don Siegelman of Alabama and Jim Florio of New Jersey.

Since coming to NARAL Pro-Choice America, Ms. Shipp has managed all political activities for the organization. In 2004, the organization identified 86,000 new pro-choice voters in 10 Congressional Districts and turned out more than 470,000 pro-choice voters in support of John Kerry's campaign for president.

In 2006, Ms. Shipp led the efforts to identify, communicate with and turnout pro-choice Republican and Independent women voters on behalf of pro-choice candidates, regardless of party affiliation. Ms. Shipp led the independent expenditure efforts in six congressional districts throughout the country. On Election Day, five of six pro-choice candidates NARAL Pro-Choice America supported won their races - defeating anti-choice incumbents or anti-choice candidates in open seats. NARAL Pro-Choice America's efforts resulted in 23 pro-choice pick-ups in the U.S. House and three in the U.S. Senate. These were seats previously held by anti-choice incumbents that are now held by pro-choice legislators.