Women and Politics

Cross-posted from my account at The Huffington Post

Will 2010 go down in history as the “Anti-Year of the Woman?”

Given the track record for women candidates already this year, I would say it’s a distinct possibility. So far, we’ve seen Dede Scozzafava, Martha Coakley, Jennifer Brunner, Connie Saltonstall, Colleen Hanabusa, Elaine Marshall, and Rep. Carol Shea-Porter stunted, dismissed, and undermined by their own political parties.

These women come from both sides of the aisle, which is one of the many important points made by National Journal reporter Erin McPike in her recent piece about the struggle of female candidates.

The obstacles to women’s political success are many: lack of party support, lack of recruitment, ingrained sexism, and male-dominated leadership of both parties.

Yes, the odds stacked against women candidates seem insurmountable. However, I am proud to say that the Women’s Campaign Forum (WCF) has been addressing each of these problems since 1974–and we’re not about to give up now.

WCF is the oldest national non-partisan organization dedicated to increasing women’s political participation, at all levels of office. We support women from the very earliest stages of their political careers.

Here’s how we tackle four of the biggest problems facing women candidates:

Lack of Party Support

We know the old boys’ club is alive and well on both sides of the aisle. As each woman this year has been squeezed out or rejected by their own party, WCF has been right there by their side. We watched, many times in shock, at how the political system blatantly damaged talented female candidates.

But this is exactly why WCF exists. We aren’t about politics as usual. We don’t wait for the masses and establishment to throw their collective weight behind a woman to support her–we’re there from the very beginning.

We invest in the woman–not just the particular race she happens to be in at that time. We focus on the political careers of our candidates, seeing their individual gifts and talents.

Not bound by party politics, WCF has been able to uniquely support women in this intimate way for 36 years.

But electing women from both parties is the only way we will ever reach gender equality in our government. A non-partisan approach is essential. We will continue to look for ways to invest in women Republican candidates who support reproductive health choices to ensure that the road to women’s equal representation is paved.

Women’s Lack of Recruitment

Thanks to the brilliant research of Jennifer Lawless, we know that women are:

• 50% less likely than men to seriously consider running for office.
• 30% less likely to actually run.
• One-third less likely to view themselves as qualified to run for office.
• One-third less likely to be asked to run for office.

WCF’s She Should Run program addresses these facts head-on. We know that if women aren’t even thinking about running for office that they need to be asked–a lot. She Should Run’s easy online platform helps us encourage women across the country to consider running for office, no matter what political party they may choose.

Through She Should Run, women are asked to consider running by someone they know and trust–which often greatly impacts a woman’s decision to become a candidate.

Ingrained Sexism

Sexism remains one of the largest factors hurting women candidates. WCF has repeatedly spoken out against misogynistic remarks made about women public figures from both parties. We work with our candidates to ensure they are prepared to handle the toxic political atmosphere that has been created for women.

When the sexism was flung most recently at Sen. Olympia Snowe, Sen. Susan Collins, Martha Coakley, Rep. Betty Sutton, Sen. Mary Landrieu, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Sen. Barbara Boxer, Secretary Jennifer Brunner, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, WCF and I were there speaking out and saying, “not on our watch.”

Male-Dominated Party Leadership

The list of Republican and Democratic Party leaders provided by McPike speaks for itself: Women have almost no power in their own political party. Clearly women can’t rely on anyone else but ourselves to increase our numbers in public office.

This is why WCF stresses the importance of women’s mentorship at all levels of office as well as positions of support. As was recently reported by Erika Lovley in POLITICO, women are still largely underrepresented in the offices of Congressional members. We look to help foster women helping each other during our Hill’s Got Talent and Hail to the Chiefs special programs.

We know that if we want to see real change, we must see more women at the top.

I hope that many will stand with us to work for women’s leadership at all levels of office, across the country, and from all political parties.

If we truly want to advance women’s rights, we need women who support reproductive health choices for all. If we truly want to reach gender equality in our government, we must support women on both sides of the aisle.

After much ado about potential financial involvement, the DCCC has pledged to say a temporary “aloha” to the race for Hawaii’s 1st District.

This special election contains many layers of confusion: It’s winner-take-all, mail-in only, with two Democrats and one Republican running.

State Senator Colleen Hanabusa and former Congressman Ed Case are running an increasingly heated race against Republican candidate Councilman Charles Djou.

If the votes are split between the two Democratic candidates, the seat will most likely land in the hands of Djou until the primary election in July.

The fear of losing such a blue district and the birthplace of President Barack Obama has led the Democratic Party to repeatedly pressure Hanabusa about the campaign—warning her about the repercussions of the battle between her and Case.

Her response to this not-so-subtle request to bow out? A press conference in which she clearly stated that she is in it to win it:

“I don’t know how else to respond but to just say this: I’m in this race until the end, and I’m in this race to win.”

It’s interesting to say the least that the DCCC wanted Hanabusa to step aside, when Case has lost at least as many elections as the Buffalo Bills have Super Bowls.

Hanabusa’s 12 years as State Senator and her long record of public service has garnered much support throughout the district. And she is more than ready to take on the political establishment,  which has damaged and ended the campaigns of many viable women candidates this year, most recently Secretary Jennifer Brunner and Connie Saltonstall.

Thank you, Colleen Hanabusa for continuing to stand strong against the old boys club and not back down.

When facing a primary contest, the party’s default decision should not be to support the man.

Next Sunday, May 22nd is the deadline for postmarking ballots this mail-in only special election. Regardless of the result, let it be known that we will continue supporting strong women candidates and calling out the establishment when they attempt to bully them out of running.

Have you ever wondered why women’s political progress has stagnated? Why in the year 2010 we only have 17 women serving in the U.S. Senate?

While there are many factors behind the continuing gender gap, yesterday’s primary elections reveal one of the biggest problems: Our current political structure repeatedly prevents women candidates from succeeding.

Already this year, we have seen too many talented female candidates be ignored, cast off, and even attacked by their own party. (Read: Dede Scozzafava, Colleen Hanabusa). But WCF’s endorsed candidates forge ahead anyway—determined to overcome the odds stacked against them by the political establishment.

Secretary Jennifer Brunner’s run for U.S. Senate provides a classic example of the political system failing a strong woman.

We watched as she boldly defied the establishment—who told her to drop out, give up, and bow down. Brunner ran a tenacious grassroots campaign across Ohio and earned 44% of the vote last night.

She fought the full weight of the Democratic establishment and showed that courage and conviction can be a formidable opponent to money and influence. However, she will be sorely missed in the U.S. Senate, and Ohio still hasn’t seen its first female Senator.

Much like Brunner, U.S. Senate candidate from North Carolina, Secretary Elaine Marshall, was outspent and underestimated in her primary. However, I’m proud to say that Marshall was the top vote-getter yesterday,  garnering 38% of the vote. This tough candidate is ready to tackle the runoff election in June—and WCF will be behind her every step of the way.

We will also firmly stand with our candidates who won their primaries last night, and will continue onto the November elections:

Patsy Keever, North Carolina House of Representatives, District 115
Rep. Marcia Fudge, U.S. House of Representatives, District 11
Rep. Betty Sutton, U.S. Representatives, District 13

Also continuing to the general elections, running unopposed yesterday, are:

Commissioner Paula Brooks, U.S. House of Representatives, District 12
Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy, U.S. House of Representatives, District 15

We are saddened to report losses for the following candidates, and we encourage them to run again at the earliest possible opportunity. We all need these women in government:

Tamela Lee, Ohio State Senate, District 27
Rosemary Palmer, Ohio State House of Representatives, District 16

In addition to all these great WCF candidates, Jennifer Brunner and Elaine Marshall especially provide shining examples of why WCF exists—to support women who make the decision to run for office—despite the odds, and even when the system gets in their way.

WCF is here to help clear the path, chop through the weeds, and guide talented women through their candidacy—women who exceed expectations at every turn, forge their own path through the political wilderness, and light the way for those who follow.

To ensure the elimination of our political gender gap, WCF continues to use a different political paradigm for women candidates—one that rewards leadership and courage, and does not bow to the conventional model that stagnates women’s political progress. A league of our own, you could say.

I hope anyone who believes in the need for women’s political equality will stand together in 2010 and beyond to build a new political system that works for women—not against them.

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.

It’s the final day before the Ohio primary election aboard Jennifer Brunner’s Courage Express. We’re headed to Cleveland for an immigration rally, Cleveland Cavaliers watch party, and to visit a senior center.

Even after months of campaigning and three straight weeks of riding around on an old school bus, Jennifer is still going strong. When our team is exhausted from the long and hectic day, it’s Jennifer that keeps us going. It seems that her conviction overrides all the fatigue and bumps in the road.

And it’s this spirit of determination that will empower her to improve the lives of both Ohioans and Americans in the U.S. Senate.

As Secretary of State, Jennifer faced a broken and corrupt election system. In less than two years, she was able to reform Ohio’s elections to be fair and honest. She makes decisions based on what is right—not party politics. And with our current partisan deadlock in Congress, we need people who will stand up and make tough decisions for the right reasons.

Jennifer is running for U.S. Senate because it’s the right thing to do—because she knows that the Senate needs her. It needs her because of her bold leadership and fair decision-making abilities; because she is not a Washington insider; because she can successfully collaborate; because she is a true public servant; because she’s running for office to get things done; and, yes, because she’s a woman.

Jennifer Brunner is a shining example of why WCF exists—to support women who make the decision to run for office—despite the odds, and even when the system gets in their way. WCF is here to help clear the path, chop through the weeds, and guide talented women through their candidacy.

Thank you, Jennifer for making the decision to run for higher office—so few women do— perhaps because of all the adversity demonstrated in your campaign. Thank you for not listening to the people who told you no. Thank you for giving me the drive to continue our efforts to increase the number of women considering and running for elected office.

We need more women like Jennifer to stand up, face the wind, and make the decision to run for office—despite the inevitable obstacles and resistance. If we had more women like Jennifer Brunner in office all across the country, the U.S. would be better positioned to truly serve the needs of each and every American.

Today, the Brunner campaign is going full-speed ahead in Cleveland. The Courage Express has traveled an amazing 5,000 miles in just three weeks. We’ve been to every region of the state, meeting groups large and small.

This race is far from decided, and WCF will stand by Jennifer as she makes history and attempts to change the political paradigm for women, for a new generation of voters, and for a county in great need of Courage.

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.

I’ve been working with Secretary Jennifer Brunner on her campaign for U.S. Senate for 25 days now. I have poured my blood, sweat and tears into this campaign—and I mean that literally. But I get up every day, board the Courage Express, and work until I drop because I believe so deeply that we need Jennifer Brunner working for all Americans in Congress.

The polls would have you believe that Jennifer is out of this race. But I’m here to tell you that this race is neck and neck. 35% of Ohio voters remain undecided, and 55% might change their mind.

I’m telling you this race is still a toss-up. With Brunner driving around the state, meeting residents face-to-face, we still have the chance to earn the support needed in this primary.

And gaining enthusiastic support isn’t difficult once someone meets Jennifer. People connect with her vision for Ohio and quickly come to understand why she is the best person to represent them in the Senate. Her commitment, determination, and compassion will make her an effective and bold U.S. Senator, which is what Washington really needs.

If you want to see for yourself - watch this video of Jennifer talking about her true belief in being a public servant—not just a politician.

Jennifer also has amazing supporters who keep her campaign going day after day. They give gifts, contributions and smiles. They make homemade signs and greet her at every bus stop with applause and cheers.

She hasn’t backed down from this primary, and she won’t back down from her beliefs in Congress.

I spoke with one man who told me,

“I think we need more women in office. I’m the feminist of the family, and we need Jennifer Brunner in the Senate.”

This man is now making phone calls for Brunner, and she needs everyone’s help, all across the county, to ensure Jennifer’s victory on May 4.

If you believe that we need more than 17 women in the Senate; if you want your voice heard loud and clear in our government; if the idea of a true public servant protecting your needs;  and if you want real change and fresh perspective in Washington, then you should do whatever you can for Jennifer Brunner.

You can email Brian Morgan, bmorgan@jenniferbrunner.com, to get more information on how to help. Write “WCF Volunteer” in the subject line.

Ohio and America are counting on you.

No. And furthermore, should any woman have to “wait her turn” to run for a higher office? Haven’t women been “waiting their turn” for centuries now? And isn’t our political system setup for competition—allowing for new talent and ensuring the voters are able to choose the candidate they support?

Yes, it is. But sadly, this idea isn’t supported by everyone. Listen to Jennifer Brunner’s story about how she was told that it was Ohio Lt. Governor Lee Fisher’s “turn” to run for Senate—and why she should be Ohio’s first female Senator.

Brunner would also be one step in closing the gender gap in the Senate, bringing us from 17 to 18 women (and hopefully many more). If we want to ensure that women’s needs are represented in Congress, we must elect women like Brunner who are dedicated to advocating for reproductive health choices and women’s rights.

If Brunner wins this primary, it will be a victory in the face of the archaic political old boys’ club; and for anyone who believes in the power of a true grassroots public servant.

It seems that the Ohio political establishment doesn’t want women in power. We’ve been talking about how Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner was told from the beginning not to run—to stay in her place and wait her turn. But she decided to run anyway—and was even further abandoned and sabotaged by Democratic party leaders.

Now we learn that there was a Republican woman (Ohio State Auditor, Mary Taylor) who considered a run for U.S. Senate as well. She was quickly strong-armed out of the race—but told Brunner not to let the same happen to her.

Jennifer Brunner told us this story last year at Netroots Nation:

Why are Ohio political leaders on both sides of the aisle deliberately keeping women out of higher office? Is this yet another case of the old boys’ club saying No Girls Allowed?

And how long will we let these kind of bullying, exclusionary tactics fly? The intimidation against female candidates may occur behind closed doors, but that doesn’t mean we can’t bring it to the forefront.

This kind of strategic obstruction of women’s rise to higher power should not be tolerated or ignored any longer.