June 10, 2010
2010 Primary Election Results
By Bettina Duval, Founder, CALIFORNIA LIST
Another primary has past and as we anticipate the coming elections in November, we can take a moment to put aside the partisan attacks to revel in the moment that is democracy. Whether you voted by mailing in your ballot or actually stood inside the ballot box yesterday, your vote counts. While CALIFORNIA LIST worked hard for our Democratic women candidates, the results of this election reflect hard fought battles in every precinct and truly each candidate is a winner for caring enough to run.
The power this election cycle is in the self-funded campaign and this year those candidates who dominated the airwaves contended with a very different electorate. Bruised by the economic downturn, did the gamble of this strategy pay off? Also interesting were the propositions; many fueled by California’s massive deficits, took aim at politics as usual. Let’s take a look at the results from yesterday’s primary.
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Political Commentary by Bettina Duval
Dissent carries a negative connotation that many view as the unproductive workings of social malcontents. Without a doubt some forms of rebellion breed strife, but some are simplistic strategies produced by those with limited resources in an effort to affect a degree of change. Read More.
Together with family, friends and staff, we watched Dr. Judy Chu being sworn in as the Congressional representative for California District 32. Congratulations to Representative Judy Chu! And congratulations California – we are fortunate to have such an experienced, dedicated elected official representing our state in Congress, especially during these difficult times.
Sitting with Rep. Chu’s family, friends and staff, we reminisced about her background. She has long been a fierce public servant and she understands the importance of navigating the electoral pipeline. From my perspective, as an advocate to build the pipeline of future leaders, her story is important.
Rep. Chu began political life in her San Gabriel neighborhoods, but she’s no typical valley girl! During her more than 20 years as a public servant, Rep. Chu has served on the Garvey School District as a Board member, was a three term Mayor of Monterey Park, was elected to the California State Assembly, and was elected to the Board of Equalization where she served as Chair. Rep. Chu has fought to protect working families, end discrimination, save healthcare, protect the environment, protect women, protect consumers, improve education and worked to close special interest tax loopholes. Now she has distinguished herself as the first Chinese American woman to ever serve in Congress winning her seat with 62% of the vote in the March special election. With her background, we can all rest assured that Rep. Chu will bring her passion, commitment, and integrity to represent our State in the Nation’s capitol.
Congratulations Rep. Chu, you are a shining example to the power of the pipeline!
So, where are all the women leaders of tomorrow? California is facing a crisis in the feminist fight for equality. Only 33 women currently serve on our state legislature and just 6 women have ever held an Executive Branch office. Each election cycle we lose more women to term limits and the pipeline of new women leaders has slowed to a trickle. There are many reasons, but research shows women are choosing not to run because of the daunting hurdles facing our female candidates. Raising huge amounts of money to run a viable race, making personal sacrifices, and all too often defending themselves from gender based biases from their opponents.
Unfortunately, the pipeline for future women leaders is dwindling on every level. City councils, supervisory boards, and boards of education are all reporting fewer numbers of women running and winning locally. Watching Rep. Chu being sworn reminded me once again how important it is to elect women at each level of government.
We need more women to run for office. Rep. Chu’s election to serve California in Washington, D.C. confirms the power of the pipeline! Rep. Judy Chu probably never thought she would be working in the House chamber when she first ran for the Garvey School District Board. Today she will cast her first votes as a member of Congress — I encourage women to follow Rep. Chu’s example because when you start small, you can accomplish big things. Congratulations again to Congresswoman Judy Chu!
While running his campaign, President Barack Obama promised that, if elected, his administration would champion the rights of women, especially in the area of equality. True to his pledge, he has already begun working on this vital issue, a mere 53 days into his Presidency. As the Founder of CALIFORNIA LIST, a group that fosters women’s rights in the political arena, I was particularly moved by President Obama’s signing of an Executive Order on March 11 establishing the White House Council on Women and Girls. Citing his mother, grandmother, and wife as personal examples, President Obama wants to make clear that areas like equal pay, family leave and child care are not just women’s issues, but that they are family and economic issues. Those of us who work tirelessly to advance this cause realize that we are still far from equality, especially in the workplace. During his announcement the President said, “The purpose of this Council is to ensure that American women and girls are treated fairly in all matters of public policy.” I say, it’s about time!
Read More.
Congratulations to Congresswoman Hilda Solis who was confirmed as Secretary of Labor this afternoon!
Secretary Hilda Solis is one of the reasons that I founded the CALIFORNIA LIST. I was working for EMILY’s List and met then California State Senator Hilda Solis, who was running for Congress. She was challenging longtime Congressman Marty Martinez, who she believed did not represent the district with any enthusiasm or effectiveness. It was inspiring to watch her as a candidate and she won! I saw first hand how the pipeline of terrific, qualified leaders works, and I see it again today as Barack Obama’s choice of one of California’s finest public servants was confirmed by the Senate 80-17.
Read More.
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