Friday, April 16, 2010
Commonwealth Commentary: Why Women Run Recap
Noting that two women, Sarah Palin and Senate President Therese Murray dominated the front page of both local papers that morning, moderator Wu said it was a sign of the times that would have been unheard of when she began her career as a reporter more than 30 years ago. The two candidates joined Wu in a candid discussion of their reasons for seeking elected office and the challenges they faced.
Responding to the question of what she felt was her greatest challenge in her first run for statewide office, Bump mentioned the overall political climate, particularly Martha Coakley’s loss and the fact that so much money was generated and spent on that race, making fundraising more difficult especially for women running in “down ballot” races. Polito agreed and in expanding on the fundraising difficulties that women face, she said men are much more generous to men candidates than women are to fellow women candidates. “We must support each other!” Polito declared.
Polito was asked if she thought Senator Scott Brown’s election might have a snowball effect by creating the kind of momentum that might open the doors for more Republican women to run for, and finally win, a statewide seat. Polito responded that she felt the important thing that came out of Brown’s election, for anyone running for office, was that it underscored a change in Massachusetts’ political climate, and spurred a greater involvement in the electoral process. Asked by an audience member how they planned to build on that mantra of change considering that both women served as elected officials; both candidates said they felt confident that their records would show that they were independent thinkers and dedicated public servants who first and foremost worked for, and answered to, the people they were elected to represent. Both said another challenge for them was educating people about what the offices of Treasurer and State Auditor did so voters could see the many different opportunities that the offices offered.
Wu asked the audience of mostly young professionals if anyone was interested in running for office. Several hands went up. Probing deeper, as is her trademark, Wu asked one of the respondents what motivated her to decide she wanted to run. She responded that many in her generation felt that just getting a political degree wasn’t enough to effectively take what they had learned to the next level, but direct involvement, and developing skills as an advocate or being elected to office, gave her the greatest opportunity to make a real difference. Acting MWPC Executive Director Priti Rao called attention to the importance of MWPC as a vehicle for just that kind of involvement and asked attendees to volunteer their time to MWPC to help continue to give women running for political office the tools and support they needed to effectively compete.
Spotted in the crowd: Karen Payne, former head of the NAACP, currently running for the seat vacated by Representative Willie Mae Allen; legendary activist family members Gladys Vega and her daughter, City Councilor Madelyn Vega, from Chelsea, Carol Fanta-Hardy and Donna Stewartson, of UMass-Boston Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy, who proudly pointed out CWPP graduate Christina Knowles, who now serves as the new State Director of Massachusetts National Organization for Women (NOW).
Friday, April 9, 2010
MWPC Urges President Obama to replace retiring Justice Stevens by appointing a woman
Boston, MA- The Massachusetts Women Political Caucus (MWPC) recognizes Justice John Paul Stevens contributions to the ongoing struggle for gender parity and equal rights for women. We wish him and his family health and happiness in retirement.
Justice Stevens spent his distinguished career as a jurist championing the rights of the individual. He was strong liberal voice for civil rights and equality for all Americans including women. He upheld a woman’s right to choose and dissolved restrictions to exercising that right in 1992 Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Since 1975, Justice Stevens has been a reliable and steadfast voice for the principles of social justice in American society.
In 2008, women comprised more than 51% of the U.S. population, more than 30% of lawyers, more than 29% of judges sitting on federal courts of appeal, and more than 25% of U.S. district court judges. In contrast, only two women, out of nine total justices, are currently seated on the U.S. Supreme Court and only three women have served in its 220-year history.
The MWPC respects the fact that there are several outstanding women jurists in consideration for this seat. We call on President Obama, his administration, and the United States Senate to consider the unique perspective that the appointment of more women to the nation’s highest court will bring, and urge President Obama to use this rare opportunity to promote gender parity and equal participation in all levels of government
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus PAC Endorses Simmons, Harkins in State Senate Special Elections
"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
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
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.
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