Women, Politics & Money: How Female Candidates are Changing the Game

I recently read an interesting article on the growing power of women to fundraise - especially women in the United State Senate. As a fundraiser, I found this article to be very true and quite on point. I'm excited to see the number of women in the Senate reach 20 and hope to see it reach 25 with the close of the 2014 elections. 

Raising money is one of the most difficult tasks for political candidates and it's probably the most important. Candidates need money to hire staff, open an office and take on the day-to-day tasks needed to win an elections. Phone banking, door knocking, sign posting, polling - to name a few - are not free yet are more than necessary for any campaign hoping to win. 

Female Senators have come a long way since the early 1990s when asking people for money to run for office was taboo and a very difficult ask but one thing that is helping many women is their ability to gauge female support. Just this weekend, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren sent an e-mail on behalf of Texas state Senator Wendy Davis who is running for Governor in Texas. Although Warren isn't from Texas and Davis won't be joining her in the U.S. Senate even if she does win, she clearly sees the significance of helping a friend out. The following is an excerpt of Warren's e-mail to prospective donors. 

"Six months later, our champion Wendy is running for governor of Texas. She's not afraid of a tough fight, and neither are we."

Remembering Sandy Hook's Vicki Soto

As a former teacher, I can't seem to let go of the idea that Victoria Soto did what so many teachers in our country and world would have done. She protected her children because she loved them. She gave her life for the young people she spent nearly every day of the week with. She didn't think twice and she followed her heart. At 27, she made a decision most 27 year-olds can't imagine making.

It is my sincere belief that teachers are some of the most amazing, selfless contributors in our society. We can never thank them enough for the countless hours they give to our nation's youth and the invaluable sacrifices they make to ensure the next generation is prepared to carry the torch. 

This blog was created to cover women in politics throughout the world but I couldn't help but take the time to write about a woman that I believe is not only a leader but a shero in every regard. An entire year has passed since the Sandy Hook tragedy. Like most people, I remember where I was when the news broke. I remember talking to my twin sister and both of us in tears. It is my hope that we never forget the lives lost and the work we must do to ensure this type of tragedy ceases to exist. 

Black, Female and Republican: Four 2014 GOP Candidates to Know

According to a September article published by the Young Conservatives Blog, there are nearly 25 Black Republicans running for significant national, statewide and major city wide positions. In today's blog, I want to focus on four African-American women running for Republican congressional seats in the respective states. Representing states in the Midwest and South, these women are sure to catch the eyes of many over the next year.  

Some may remember Mia B. Love from her 2012 run or Erika Harold who was crowned Miss America in 2003 and went on to earn a law degree from Harvard University. Both are returning to the limelight as 2014 congressional candidates in what should be a very, very interesting year of politics. Although I am a registered Democrat and supporter of moderate to liberal candidates, I am a firm believer that everyone should do their research and support candidates that share their same beliefs and values. With that said, check out these four candidates below and let me know what you think. There's clearly so much to learn! 

Erika Harold 

Illinois' 13th District

Website: http://www.erikaharold.com/home

Fun Fact: Erika earned a law degree from Harvard University and is Miss America 2003. 

Diane Harris

Illinois' 3rd District

Website: http://www.harrisforcongress3.com/ 

Fun Fact: Diane was raised a Democrat. 

Mia B. Love 

Utah 4

Website: http://love4utah.com/

Fun Fact: Mia is the first Black female Mayor in Utah. 

Katrina Pearson

Texas' 32nd District

Website: http://www.katrinaforcongress.com/

Fun Fact: Katrina is a member of the Tea Party. 

2014: The NEW Year of the Woman

Although 1992 is currently known as the Year of the Woman, 2014 is determined to give 1992 a run for it's money. With Wendy Davis' recent gubernatorial candidacy announcement in Texas, Alison Lundergan Grimes senate run in Kentucky and the vacating West Virginia Senate seat most surely to go to a woman, and Michelle Nunn virtually tied with all Republican candidates in the open Georgia Senate race, 2014 will hopefully result in an increased number of women in the United States Senate as well as various statewide positions seeing as nearly every state in the nation could use more women in statewide offices.

If you haven't heard of these women, here's your chance to learn about them now just in case you're interested in donating to or volunteering with their campaign. Although you may not live in their state, you may have friends or family residing there that you want to ensure have great leaders. And we all know it's extremely important to have good leaders in place in ever city and town in every state within this great nation. Let's do our part to make sure everyone is represented by the best candidate!

Alison Lundergan Grimes - Candidate for US Senate [D-Kentucky]

Website: alisonforkentucky.com 

Twitter: @AlisonforKY

Alison's Bio

Michelle Nunn - Candidate for US Senate [D-Georgia]

Website: www.michellenunn.com 

Twitter: @MichelleNunnGA

Michelle's Bio

Shelley Moore Capito - Candidate for US Senate [R-West Virginia]

Website: www.capitoforsenate.com 

Twitter: @RepShelley

Shelley's Bio

Natalie Tennant - Candidate for US Senate [D-West Virginia]

Website: http://www.natalietennant.com 

Twitter: @NatalieTennant

Natalie's Bio

2013 ALC Gala: How Receptions and Galas Can Change Your Life

Upon relocating to the DC area last week, I instantly found myself immersed into the hustle and bustle of the happy hour hopping, political networking/smoosing world better know as Washington, DC. But for some odd reason, today was different. After a week full of political fundraisers, speeches and meet-n-greets, I found myself out and about on my usual day off - Saturday - attending another reception and gala. As the night comes to a close, I find myself re-evaluating exactly what it is I was called to do. 

The first reception featured the First Lady's Chief of Staff Tina Tchen who's absolutely phenomenal. Although she was there to discuss the significant role of women in the upcoming 2014 and 2016 elections, her extensive knowledge on issues facing women, children and families here in America was breathtaking. From school lunches and health care to paid leave and decreasing poverty, Tina so eloquently articulated the successes of the current administration as well as the strides President Obama and his team plan to continue to take. An expert in every right, I'm honored to have interned in the White House under the leadership of amazing women like Tina Tchen. 

Later this evening, I prepared to attend the Congressional Black Caucus' Annual Legislative Conference Gala, an event that brings together political, religious and philanthropic leaders from all over the world. Tonight's event saw the likes of Judge Greg Mathis, retired NBA player Dikembe Mutombo, and White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett. 

In addition to these special guests, the honorees for tonight's event were simply spectacular. Elaine R. Jones, Congressman Elijah Cummings and former President Bill Clinton were named the 2013 honorees. Not only is their dedication to service a clear testament to their love for their constituents and country, their remarks further supported  the fact that they are life servants and will continue to work diligently to ensure justice - on every level - is a possibility for those most impacted by injustice.