Women and Politics

This post was submitted by Jean Qiao, WCF communications fellow

Take 10 men—3 democrats and 7 republicans—all vying to be the next Governor of Connecticut. Now add to this mix a powerful woman who has broken the glass ceiling left and right in the political world. Enter Mary Glassman, Treasurer of the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) and Treasurer of the Connecticut Council of Municipalities (CCM)—ready to use her wealth of experience as Governor.

Glassman is sure to give the old boys’ club a run for their money.

And money is one of the many things that sets Glassman apart from her opponents. Shortly after she decided to enter the race, Glassman announced that she will be abiding by the stringent campaign finance laws made by the Connecticut Citizen’s Election Program. Candidates who choose to follow this law are unable to accept contributions from lobbyists, state contractors, and even family members—thereby completely eliminating special interests from the race.

But even by following the country’s strictest campaign finance law, Glassman was able to report an extremely strong start to her candidacy—raising more money in the first 3 months of her campaign than any of her challengers.

So how did she accomplish this without funds from special interests? Grassroots support. Sound familiar? Who knew going out in the public, shaking hands with supporters and speaking to them about important issues could actually help a campaign? Like Jennifer Brunner, Glassman is showing that taking a grassroots approach could be a winning strategy.

Glassman has a strong history of winning elections by utilizing grassroots support. In 2006, she won the fight in becoming the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor. In addition, she was the first Democratic leader in more than 40 years elected to be the First Selectman of Republican-leaning town Simsbury, and served in this position for six consecutive terms. As First Selectman, Glassman utilized her background as a journalist and attorney for job creation, spending reduction, and naming the town of Simsbury among the top 100 Places to Live in America.

Learn more about Glassman and her stance on issues here.

In an election year that is already proving to be a battlefield for female candidates, Mary Glassman doesn’t seem to be backing down one bit. Will Glassman’s grassroots campaign trump special interest money?

Tags: conncticut primary, connecticut, democratic primary, elections, fundraising, grassroots campaign, mary glassman