MWPC's Blog

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus PAC Endorses Simmons, Harkins in State Senate Special Elections

BOSTON, MA-The Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus PAC has endorsed State Representative Lida Harkins and Cambridge City Councilor Denise Simmons in the April 13th special primary elections for the Massachusetts State Senate. Rep. Harkins seeks to represent the Norfolk, Bristol & Middlesex district previously held by U.S. Senator Scott Brown. Councilor Simmons seeks to represent the Middlesex, Suffolk & Essex district previously held by Former Senator Anthony Galluccio. The general elections for both seats will be held on May 11th.

"Both Rep. Harkins and Councilor Simmons are great candidates for State Senate, and we are proud to support them," stated MWPC PAC Co-Chair, Pam Nourse. "Their dedication to supporting equality and fairness for women and their families is unparalleled. Rep. Harkins has proven herself a committed public servant with a strong track record of service delivery that has improved the quality of life for working families. Councilor Simmons, a former school committee member and current small business owner, brings a diverse base of experience and support as well as a commitment to enhancing public education and ensuring that small business owners are at the table during these challenging economic times."

"I am especially gratified to receive this endorsement because of our shared commitment to issues that affect women", said Representative Harkins. "I look forward to working with the MWPC during this campaign and in the future."

Rep. Harkins has been a Needham resident for 38 years and is Chair of the Needham Democratic Town Committee. She has proven herself a strong supporter of issues concerning women throughout her career in public service. During her tenure at the State House, Harkins has been devoted to improving public education, advancing equal rights for women and minorities, and advocating for strengthened relations with labor conditions. Harkins has also spoken in support of a statewide network of health care workers for in-home elderly care, and has worked for a relief in property tax for seniors.

"The MWPC is a wonderful organization and I am delighted to receive their endorsement," said Councilor Simmons. "As the only woman in my race, the support of an outstanding, well respected women's organization will be a great asset to my campaign."

Denise Simmons is a life-long Cambridge resident and former Mayor of Cambridge. She is currently serving her fifth year as Cambridge City Councilor. Her ten years on the Cambridge School Committee and her time as a small business owner give her the experience to guide her constituents through these tough economic times. Councilor Simmons has worked to diversify involvement in civic life. As a woman, African-American, and member of the GLBT community, Simmons strives to ensure that every constituency group is given a strong voice in state government.

Monday, February 22, 2010

MASSACHUSETTS WOMEN’S POLITICAL CAUCUS SPONSORS 9th ANNUAL "GOOD GUY" AWARDS

More than 350 guests are expected to salute the honored guests at the 9th annual Mass Women's Political Caucus, Good Guy Awards.

This year’s Good Guy Awards honorees include Massachusetts House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo; Essex County Sheriff Frank G. Cousins, Jr.; Rick Rendon, President and Founder of Empower Peace; and, Gregory Torres, President of MassINC. United States Senator John Kerry will receive the Edward M. Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Local television and radio host Jim Braude will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event.

The Good Guy Awards recognize men who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment and partnership in the struggle for women’s equality. They recognize that the goal of attaining parity in politics and equality in American society can only be reached through the concerted efforts of both men and women in all areas of professional and personal life.

Good Guy honorees come from all fields and backgrounds. The MWPC seeks to honor a diverse group of men, all of whom have been dedicated to strengthening the position of women in all sectors of society.

“The Good Guy Awards are one of our most prestigious events,” said Lora Pellegrini, Board President for the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus. “It is a chance for us to recognize some outstanding men in the community who are making a difference in women’s lives through the work they do. These year’s honorees are particularly impressive. On behalf of the board, I am very grateful for the support of Comcast, our Presenting Sponsor and all of our contributing sponsors and host committee members who make this event such a success year after year.”

Previous Good Guy recipients include the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy, and Robert M. Coard, former Governors William F. Weld and Argeo Paul Cellucci, Peter Meade, James Roosevelt, Jr., Thomas P. O’Neill, III, Wayne Budd, Charlie Baker and Ralph Martin, to name a few.

Individual tickets to this year’s event are $125 apiece. Proceeds are used to fund the programs of the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus Education Fund, and all donations are tax deductible.

Media inquiries, including biographical information and head shots, and requests for additional ticket information can be directed to Priti Rao, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus, at (617) 451-9294 or priti@mwpc.org.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

MWPC Annual Meeting - Photos

Last night, MWPC held its 20th Annual Meeting in Boston, sponsored by the Simmons Institute for Leadership and Change.

The meeting started with opening remarks by Associate Director Priti Rao and an annual report by MWPC Board President Lora Pellegrini. Then, members heard a spirited keynote address by Ayanna Pressley, Boston City Councillor At Large.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

MWPC PAC's "Inside Look at the 2009 & 2010 Elections" A Huge Success

On January 21, MWPC's PAC sponsored "An Inside Look at the 2009 and 2010 Elections: From Capitol Hill to Beacon Hill." The event was a huge success.

A large crowd of attendees packed the conference center at O'Neill and Associates to hear from our panel of experts and to learn more about their opinions on recent and upcoming political contests. For many, it was their first chance for an in-depth discussion about what happened in the recent US Senate race and what it means for future races.

Panelists included David Bernstein and Adam Reilly of the Boston Phoenix, Andy Hiller of WHDH Channel 7, Julie Mehegan of the Boston Herald, and Joan Vennochi of the Boston Globe. The panel was moderated by Elaine Kamarck of the Kennedy School.

Special thanks to our moderator and panelists, as well as O'Neill and Associates for hosting the event. Special thanks also go to our Host Committee of Andrea Kramer, Joyce Ferriabough-Bolling, Lora Pellegrini and Pam Nourse; our Sponsors, Alona Abalos, Ann Murphy and Deirdre Savage; and, our Contributors, Mary Ryan and Jeff Ross.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

MWPC PAC: Vote for Martha Coakley Today!

Today is election day!

Today, we will choose the candidate we want to fill the seat occupied by the late Senator Ted Kennedy.

The MWPC PAC has been hard at work for the NWPC PAC endorsed candidate, Attorney General Martha Coakley. This election is enormously important, and the stakes are too high to sit on the sidelines.

We urge you to get out and vote. Polls will be open from 7am to 8pm. If you're not sure of where to vote, please visit www.wheredoivotema.com.

Please do what you can to elect Martha Coakley to the U.S. Senate! Our next Senator will be a critical voice and vote on health care reform, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the economy and social justice and our civil liberties. Every vote counts. Talk to your friends and family and make sure they know what's at stake.

Thank you again for all your help and support. Please get out and vote!