Former House candidate launches PAC to convince young mothers to run

[brooklynite]

Source: Politico

A new political action committee is hoping to change a persistent dynamic in Washington — low rates of mothers with young children serving in Congress.

Despite a record number of women being elected this fall, the percentage of women in Congress who have young children is still very small — only 25 women currently serving have children under the age of 18, or less than 5 percent of the House.

A group of women, led by former House candidate Liuba Grechen Shirley, are launching “Vote Mama” this week, with the aim of recruiting, funding and training mothers with young kids to run for political office. They’ve set a goal of raising $1 million, and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren has filmed a video to promote it.

The PAC’s advisory committee includes five current members of the House — Reps. Terri Sewell, Grace Meng, Kim Schrier, Gwen Moore and Katie Porter, as well as a host of other elected officials and advocates. It is partnering with several outside organizations, including the New York City chapter of the National Organization for Women, Eleanor’s Legacy, and VoteRunLead to help identify potential candidates to support.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2019/01/16/former-house-candidate-launches-pac-to-convince-young-mothers-to-run-794616

[Tumbulu]

1. So, anyone with young children knows that unless you have some sort of incredible

Last edited Wed Jan 16, 2019, 06:29 PM - Edit history (1)

support at home- family backing, this is nuts!

And yes, there are women who have a spouse that really pitches in- wow good for you!!!!- and mom's who have parents who are willing to help. And mom's who have sufficient income to pay staff to care for their children. But for many mom's, this is not the case and it is juggling obligations and trying to survive the relentless pressure of being a mother and a provider of income. It is already too much for most women that I know. And certainly for me it is too much.

And what about the actual capacity to enjoy being a mother? Why is one obligated to be so rushed and pressured?

I reset the endless expectations that society dumps onto mothers and all parents for that matter.

End of rant, sorry, this just touched a nerve!

[PatSeg]

2. Oh, you're not alone

It hit the same nerve with me. Being a working mother is hard enough, but I can't imagine commuting back and forth between home and Washington. Even if you have an extraordinary support group at home, you can never get back that time with your children.

There are many ways that women can contribute without leaving their children for long periods of time. They could run for local office for instance. I remember when Joe Biden's first wife died, he commuted home every night to be there when his boys went to bed. He knew the value of a hands on parent and would have quit the Senate if he couldn't be there for his children.