Democrats in Chicago: The Women's Caucus

This afternoon a number of different caucus meetings were held. They included the Women's Caucus, LGBT Caucus, Asian American Pacific Islander American Caucus, Black Caucus, Hispanic Caucus, Ethic Coordinating Committee and the Native American Coordinating Council.

In order to attend the meeting with the Executive Directors I was only able to attend the Women's Caucus, which was scheduled one hour prior to all the others, and did not overlap.

Women's Caucus

The Women's Caucus meeting was less of a meeting and more of a discussion forum. After announcements were made by the Chair of the Caucus, the floor was opened to the caucus members. Some of the women were candidates, others were activists or state party staff, all were committed to Victory in 2006 and beyond.

One thing that was noted several times was that there are huge numbers of women running for office up and down the ballot. Also celebrated was the fact that, not only are there women running everywhere, but that there are many women of color running. Simone Ward, who overseas African American outreach for the DNC, shared information about some of these great women and invited everyone to the upcoming African American Leadership Summit. This year's summit will have a special focus on young women of color, and Simone encouraged the women present to spread the word about the summit to their friends, colleagues and especially to any up-and-coming young women they know.

Then, Jennifer Brunner, who is in the race to be Ohio's Secretary of State, spoke about the importance of clean, honest elections. Following that, DNC Vice Chair, Susie Turnbull, spoke about the DNC's voter protection efforts.

Jennifer Bruner

Newly elected President of College Democrats of America, Lauren Wolfe, addressed the room as well. She spent some time reminding the Caucus of the importance of the youth vote, and how critical it was in 2004. Lauren shared some information on the latest College Democrats activities. She also noted, with only a hint of a smile, that College Republicans have never elected a female President. Why am I not surprised?

Lauren Wolfe

For more information on Women's issues check out the Women's Section of Democrats.org and sign-up to receive a special Week in Review newsletter from Christy Agner, Director of the Women's Vote Center at the DNC.

Comments (2) «

Let's hope this year the 'old boys club' image changes to reflect the world in which we live. Support those local candidates, bloggers. It's still a grassroots, 'all politics is local' reality.

Would women be more empowered if their "minority status" were eliminated? I certainly hope so, and I hope that policymakers will soon represent peace as a value--one placed above WEALTH.

just a thought...imagine what Ohio would be like with Jenifer Bruner as Secretery of State. Haven't seen much buzz here on the blog for her campaign, but I'll check it out. Go Jenifer!

1

fade2bluz on August 19, 2006 at 08:37 AM

That is great that the caucus was a success. In Maine, we're not that fortunate. We do have a woman candidate that can defeat the Olympia Snowe train but no one will support her. The DNC will not financially support Jean HayBright. WHY? I haven't heard anything from any women's democratic group, either nationally or state wide that will endorse her campaign, WHY? She is the only viable candidate. Not one word from anyone. Is it because she is the new guard and the old guard doesn't want anything to do with her? With Lamont winning in Conneticut, that is the message that all democrats need to rally and change the way that we do things. We need common sense and Jean HayBright that give it. C'mon women lets show the men what we are made of and endorse and support Jean HayBright of Maine. We won't be disappointed and get the rubber stamping Olympia out of office!!

2

Linda50 on August 27, 2006 at 08:57 AM

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