Women at the Forefront of Democratic Change
On the heels of Democratic change in both the House and Senate DNC Chairman Howard Dean and Vice Chairs Lottie Shackelford, Susan Turnbull and Linda Chavez Thompson issued the following statement on the role that women played in bringing about change:
"On Election Day Americans and especially women, sent a clear message for a new direction. Voting for hope and opportunity, they rejected the Republican culture of corruption and the politics of fear and smear.
"As the Party that now controls both the House and the Senate, we are especially proud that this tremendous wave of change came about thanks to our great women candidates and female voters around the country. Congratulations to Amy Klobuchar in Minnesota and Claire MacCaskill in Missouri who helped Democrats take control of the Senate. Great candidates such as Gabrielle Giffords (AZ-8), Mazie Hirono (HI-2), Nancy Boyda (KS-2) Carol Shea-Porter (NH-1), Yvette Clarke (NY-11), Kirsten E. Gillibrand (NY-20) and Betty Sutton (OH-13) offered new leadership in the House of Representatives and ran strong campaigns, based on the priorities of the American people. In the Governorships, the reelections of Janet Napolitano in Arizona, Kathleen Sebelius in Kansas and Jennifer Granholm in Michigan proved that they could bring together people from all corners of their states around their strong leadership. And most notably, Democrats are proud of Nancy Pelosi, whose competent and capable leadership will serve the country well as the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives.
"This year women also made the difference by getting involved in campaigns, volunteering their time, working on the ground with state parties as part of the DNC's 50 state program, and showing up and turning out at the polls. According to CNN exit polls, Democrats overwhelmingly captured the votes of unmarried women by 66 percent and nearly tied Republicans in votes from married women. It was clear that women around the country worked hard to create a new direction for America.
"But our work did not end on Tuesday. It continued the day after the election as we began to put forward an agenda that puts the American people first. Democrats are unified and ready to change the tone of politics in Washington to get things done for the American people. We know that women want a new direction on raising the minimum wage, providing health care for their families including reproductive health, creating new jobs here in America and improving access to public and higher education. We will work hard to make these important priorities a reality for America's families. Together we will create a new direction for America."
