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?

This post was submitted and co-written by Julie Daniels, WCF Political Programs Manager. WCF believes so strongly in Jennifer Brunner’s candidacy that they sent Julie to work on the ground in Ohio for her campaign.

Ever since I met Secretary Jennifer Brunner, I’ve been a fervent supporter. She is warm and personable, yet strong and commanding. The more I learn about her, the more I believe in her run for U.S. Senate—especially since the Democratic party told her to be a good girl and stay in her place as Secretary of State.

Julie and Brunner with the Courage Express

But now that I’ve been on the ground in Ohio, riding the Courage Express with Brunner around the state for three weeks, I am among thousands of supporters who are absolutely certain that she is the right choice for U.S. Senate. And not just the right choice—the necessary choice.

In a race where Brunner, the out-fundraised and Party-abandoned candidate, could have easily faded into the background, we’re now seeing just the opposite. Despite relying purely on grassroots organizing, Brunner maintains a single-digit gap in the polls between her and Democratic challenger Lee Fisher—as well as against the potential Republican opponent, Rob Portman.

If Brunner can garner this much primary support without Party or financial backing, can you imagine what she’ll do as the Democratic nominee?

Brunner and Julie on the campaign trail

Brunner has exactly what Americans are clamoring for on both sides of the aisle: integrity, transparency, and a fresh perspective. I.e., no Washington insiders. They want folks who will arrive on the Hill and show no fear in truly representing their constituents.

But both Brunner and Fisher claim to be just that candidate.

So who’s right: the guy supported by the Party establishment, holding Galas and throwing money at the voters via TV ads, or the woman driving around the state in an old silver school bus, speaking one-on-one with the voters?

And let me remind you again that Brunner was repeatedly told to step aside by Party leaders. If anyone is a Washington outsider, it’s her. If anyone is directly connected with the voters’ concerns and priorities, it’s her.

I wonder how Lee Fisher is assessing the needs of Ohioans—I don’t think you can have a two-way conversation through a TV ad.

Working side-by-side with Jennifer Brunner has truly reminded me why I get out of bed and go to WCF every morning—she embodies why we exist.

And this race is the perfect example of what’s wrong with politics for women: When the Party doesn’t allow for competition, women disproportionately end up being kicked out of the race.

It is only due to her stamina, commitment, and courage that Brunner has stayed in this race, despite every effort to force her out.

Every day—and almost every hour—I can feel the campaign gain momentum as we go from place to place and hear more supporters who say, “I’ve already voted for you, and I’m telling all my friends to do the same.”

Along with many Ohioans, I have witnessed the kind of leader that Jennifer Brunner will be in Congress and know that her passion for public service is unmatched. Her dedication to Ohio residents would undoubtedly override political selfishness or pressure to toe the Party line.

So if we truly want change in Washington, we need a leader who will ask the hard questions, be inclusive yet unrelenting, and truly advocate for their constituents. We want Jennifer Brunner. We need Jennifer Brunner.

A woman can either be a prude or promiscuous. Too pretty or too masculine. A shrew or a doormat. As women try to tip-toe somewhere in the middle, we find that one small move can send us plunging straight into one of the extremes.

And of course, politics is not free of these dichotomies: Sarah Palin is hot. Hillary is mean. Martha Coakley is a Jezebel.

But lately I’ve noticed a new double standard arising: Women candidates either have too much money or not enough.

Let’s look at two different races: Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner running for U.S. Congress and Linda McMahon running for Senate in Connecticut.

From the beginning, Jennifer Brunner has been told she shouldn’t run for Senate because she’s such a good Secretary of State. They need her there. This is one of the most classically lame “reasons” given to women as to why they shouldn’t run for higher office.

On top of that, she’s now being assaulted by her own party about her fundraising. Bob Menendez of the DSCC is threatening not to support her until she raises more money—despite the fact that many are saying she’s the only hope for a Democratic win (Lee Fisher reportedly lost his last two campaigns, despite outraising his opponent).

Unfortunately, we all know that fundraising is a necessary component of political campaigns. (That’s a whole different rant for a different day). However, I have to ask—would Menendez be pulling support from the more viable male candidate who wasn’t raising as much as his less-viable opponent?

Now let’s look at Linda McMahon. The former chief executive of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), she apparently has too much money. Though hundreds of male candidates have self-funded their way to elected office, McMahon is being accused of trying to buy the seat.

Again, all personal feelings about campaign financing aside, I have to say that it’s nice to finally see a successful woman using her wealth to run for office. Men have been doing it for decades, so for better or for worse, seeing a woman have that same ability gives me some sense of satisfaction.

But I do wonder what kind of double standard women in politics will face next. I’m sure 2010 will unfold some new gems for us, as well as reignite some old classics.