Politics Magazine hosted its annual campaign conference in Washington, D.C. titled The Art of Political Campaigning.  Dozens of campaign workshop sessions were offered throughout the three-day conference.  ElectWomen Magazine publisher, Kathy Groob, participated on the Women in Politics panel which has been only offered twice in the history of the campaign conference. 

Kathy Groob offered the audience a practical perspective on the three myths about women running for office.  These myths are:

MYTH I.  Women can’t raise enough money to be competitive

            FALSE

            – It is true that women’s financial resources are generally not in the same ballpark with men. 

            – Men generally have circles of other men who have financial resources to help them.

            – Women must make overtures to break into the power men circles; to cultivate donors.

             – Women must enlist women in great numbers to be part of their campaign team – to host fundraisers, to get women to contribute.

            –  Women must run a professional fundraising campaign – possibly hire a professional – develop a finance committee, develop a budget and a plan that includes both events and direct asks, build in plenty of time for call time; practice and learn how to make a direct ask for a specific amount of money.

MYTH II. Women can’t handle negative campaigning

            FALSE

             – Sometimes husbands become more upset because of campaign attacks than the candidate herself.

            – Negative attacks and even smears are a fact of life for campaigns.

            – Women are less prone to aggressive attacks and negative campaigning, but when it is required, women will do it.

            – Women need to learn that this is just part of the “campaign business”.  It’s just business.  If you are running against an incumbent, it is your job as a candidate to tell the voters why they need to fire him or her.  You must be able to make the case for what is not only good about you, but what is wrong with your opponent.

             – Turn off the TV and don’t read the blogs.  Women candidates need to stay focused on 2 things – raising money and contacting voters.  Everything else is a distraction- don’t let yourself get sucked into the drama of the negative campaign.  Don’t let your worried supporters throw you off your game.  Say to yourself, “it’s just business” and hit the streets.

MYTH III.  Women Do Not Have Time to Run for Office

            FALSE

            – Women don’t have time not to run – the way our political system is set up, if women don’t enter politics at younger ages, they will be shut out of leadership positions.

            – Other women will pitch in and help, even handle personal obligations like childcare and domestic issues if asked. 

            – Build a women’s coalition to help with fundraising and grassroots.  Women have a great experience once they are asked to become involved. 

            – It’s a great learning experience for children to see their mother run for public office.  It’s a wonderful family experience and just think of the impact it has on children for life.

            – Realize that your life doesn’t have to be perfect to run.  Maybe some housework or other tasks will have to slip for a while. 

            – Women are the great multi-taskers.  We can handle many different priorities and our voices are sorely lacking in the political arena.  We can’t afford to wait!