EMILY’s List is backing state Rep. Julie Hamos (D) in her bid to succeed Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.).

Hamos faces the 2006 and 2008 Democratic nominee, marketing consultant Dan Seals, in the primary next February. Kirk is running for Senate in 2010, which leaves his competitive north Chicagoland seat up for grabs.

“EMILY’s List is proud to endorse Julie Hamos for the United States Congress,” said EMILY’s List President Ellen Malcolm. “As an attorney, co-founder of the Illinois Coalition against Domestic Violence, and a five-term state representative from Chicago’s northeast suburbs, Julie’s record of advocating for Illinois women and families is second to none. We need her in Congress to continue that fight.”

The endorsement from the Democratic pro-abortion-rights group is likely to boost Hamos’ fundraising this year — an important asset in the short six months before the Democratic primary. The endorsement, however, does not come as a surprise; Hamos has worked with EMILY’s List as a state legislator.