Women and Politics

This post was submitted by Rebecca Freedholm, WCF Communications Fellow.

After an impressive performance in last night’s primary election, Suzan DelBene now continues in her race to become the Congressional Representative for Washington’s 8th District.

DelBene is not a stranger to leadership—she has been an innovative, real-world leader as an entrepreneur and technology executive for over 20 years. Having guided some of the most prominent companies in the world—including Microsoft—DelBene has the skills necessary to pioneer solutions to Washington’s toughest challenges:

“I’m running for Congress because I believe we’ve reached a pivotal moment in the history of this region and our nation. Critical issues—unemployment, health care, and climate change; our broken financial system, struggling education system, and crumbling infrastructure—demand thoughtful leadership and forceful action.”

DelBene’s demonstrated experience in business provides her with the critical knowledge needed to generate new jobs and businesses, to ensure fiscal accountability, and to enact policies that will allow her constituents and their businesses to prosper.

DelBene has personal experience with the hardships Washington citizens are facing during this difficult economic recession. While growing up, her family faced serious financial insecurity, and she learned “that jobs are more than just money—they are a source of pride, confidence, dignity, and identity.” DelBene is deeply invested in the individual and collective struggles of her constituents and has what it takes to get her community back on track:

“What the 8th District needs today is someone with real-world leadership experience who understands how to solve problems, create opportunities, and get things done. We also need someone who recognizes the value of working with people who come from different backgrounds and bring different points of view. And we need someone who is committed to representing the entire 8th District and learning from all of its citizens.”

As she advances to the November general election, DelBene joins another inspiring Washington leader—Senator Patty Murray. Both of these women will be incredible leaders for Washington, and WCF hopes you will join us in supporting these candidates this fall.

This post was submitted by Rebecca Freedholm, WCF Communications Fellow

Krystal Ball, the Democratic Congressional nominee in Virginia’s 1st district, recently released a brilliant video that functions as a witty commentary on Congressman Rob Wittman’s lack of accessibility. The video, entitled “On the Road With Rob,” features Ball toting a cardboard cutout of her opponent around the district to stand in his place since he has been so unresponsive to constituents.

“After numerous complaints that your congressman refuses to answer your emails, answer your calls or show up to explain his votes, we decided to bring Rob on the road so people across the 1st District of Virginia would finally have a chance to have their representative listen to there concerns.”

The video not only succeeds in humorously highlighting Wittman’s detachment from the people he represents, but also demonstrates Ball’s own approachable nature. Ball is a young, progressive, and accessible candidate who cares about connecting to her constituents.

Ball runs under the slogan, “a fresh voice from Virginia,” and that is certainly what she is. If elected, Ball will be the first woman to represent Virginia in both the House and the Senate. She will also be the youngest woman ever to serve on the United States Congress.

As a young, progressive candidate, Ball could make a significant difference in a district that has not elected a Democrat since 1977. Despite the district’s tendency to vote for Republican candidates, it is still considered a relative swing state since it includes parts of both northern and southern Virginia (areas that have discordant political views). Ball remains positive about her chances, maintaining that “the people here are getting past the D and the R and they really value someone who can think for herself.”

Ball has a reason to be optimistic. For a newcomer, her fundraising efforts have been extremely impressive. Her campaign has “put up big numbers,” and even more remarkable are the unique techniques she’s used to achieve these numbers. As part of her fundraising strategy, the campaign concocted the Krystal Ball Student Loan Challenge, in which she promised up to $50,000 to pay off the school loans of the young person who raised the most money for her campaign.

Ball is eager to connect with her constituents, and is committed to serving the people of the community she hopes to represent. As a young mother, Ball has an incentive for improving the education and healthcare systems and strives to shape a better future for the next generation. She is also dedicated to women’s issues and seeks to create a future where her “daughter has equal representation in our society.”

Krystal Ball presents a challenge to removed, unresponsive incumbent Rob Wittman. She is devoted to the people of Virginia, and looks forward to actively representing them in Congress:

“When our founding fathers first dreamed of this nation, they did not imagine a Congress filled with career politicians, marching their way up the seniority ladder. They imagined citizen servants taking time from their lives to devote to their fellow citizens in the service of this country. I believe in that tradition and I pledge to make you a part of our government again.”