Women and Politics

This post was submitted by Jean Qiao, WCF Communications Fellow

WCF applauds Rep. Julie Hamos and Cheryle Jackson for two well-run campaigns. Thank you for taking the brave step of running for federal office and setting an example to women all around the country.

In a hard-fought race for the slot as the Democratic candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 10th congressional district, Julie Hamos was defeated by a mere 500 votes, with 99% of all precincts reporting. We hope that Hamos will continue to run for public office, as we desperately need experienced women who are dedicated to protecting women’s reproductive freedoms.

In spite of extreme media scrutiny, Cheryle Jackson ran a strong campaign for U.S. Senate. As a personal victim of the current lackluster health care system, Jackson serves as a fresh voice to U.S. politics. In her concession speech last night, Jackson said:

“Tonight we are here for a different kind of victory. Maybe not the victory we wanted but I view tonight as still a victory. I jumped into this race to give a voice to everyday people. People who are often overlooked by government”.

Women win and lose elections at the same rate of men. However, 50% less women even consider running, with only a fraction making the decision to become a candidate or run for higher office.

Research shows that women must be asked to run at least six times before they seriously consider running for public office. With only 17% of Congress being women, we must ensure that more women all across the country are running for office.

We only lose when women don’t run. Ask a woman you know today to run for office!

We are very proud of our endorsed candidates for their desire to bring about change, and strongly encourage them to run again, and for higher office, in the future.

This post was submitted by Jean Qiao, WCF Communications Fellow

How many U.S. Senators have ever been without health insurance? Or ever had to suffer a difficult illness while uninsured?

My guess is not many. Yet our Congress is working to reform our health care system to provide coverage for those without insurance—a situation they have never experienced.

If elected, U.S. Senate candidate from Illinois Cheryle Jackson, would bring a fresh and necessary voice to health care reform and our public leadership as a whole.

Cheryle Jackson is currently serving as President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League. She is the first female executive of the organization and during her time as President, she increased membership to 7,000 members and increased the League’s visibility and involvement in the city of Chicago.

From a young age, Cheryle understood the struggles that people faced as well as the importance of education, which contributed greatly to her successes with the Chicago Urban League later on in her life.

Her personal experience has shaped her views on health care reform. After being uninsured while enduring a grave illness, Cheryle has a deeper understanding of those who are uninsured. She is a strong supporter of the public option that will provide a government-run insurance plan to those who do not have insurance.

Cheryle is also determined to end the sexism that many insurance companies use in order to over-charge female customers and deny women coverage because of certain pre-existing conditions. With the recent loss of Ted Kennedy’s seat to Scott Brown, who promised to vote against President Obama’s healthcare bill, the need for strong voices to pass healthcare has never been more necessary.

At a time in which only 17 women serve in the U.S. Senate, there has been no greater need for more female voices. Women’s health hinges on the passage (or denial) of certain bills.

We need Cheryle Jackson to provide a stronger voice for women to ensure that our reproductive freedoms will not be taken away.