"Claire McCaskill for U.S. Senate." Is she Missouri's best candidate for the seat? The Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus believes so.
“Claire’s our superstar,” says Tamara Morris, executive director of the Caucus. “She embodies everything that the Caucus supports and stands for.”
The GKCWPC was founded in 1972, as an affiliate of the National Women’s Political Caucus. “To try to get the Equal Rights Amendment processed,” Morris said. It is the only female-run political organization in the Kansas City area. The organization's mission is to recruit, train, and elect candidates who support progressive public policies. Bi-state and non-partisan, the GKCWPC promotes participation by women in the political process.
The Kansas City Chapter, the second-largest of 20 in Missouri, is the only chapter that also supports male candidates. "We're promoting candidates, promoting value,” Morris said.
Candidates endorsed by the GKCWPC champion pro-choice reproductive rights, public education, affirmative action, better health care, and the general welfare of children and families.
Before an election, the GKCWPC receives a list of all candidates. Each one is sent a screening questionnaire regarding her/his stand on the issues. Selected candidates are invited for a personal interview, and a screening committee makes a recommendation. Then the members vote on who they want to endorse.
Throughout the year, GKCWPC lobbies legislators at every level on specific issues. The organization believes that getting women to advocate will inspire more to run for office.
In 2007, the GKCWPC will have a “campaign school to train women and men to get them ready for election,” Morris said.
Anyone can attend Caucus volunteer nights, which take place every Tuesday at Scott Burnett’s office, 4232 Baltimore, from 6:00-9:00pm. Meetings are also held every Wednesday night at Planned Parenthood, 4401 W. 109th, from 6:00-9:00pm. Membership is open to the public for $65 a year, but those under age 29 may join Young Friends of the Caucus for a $25 annual fee.
Don't forget to vote on Tuesday, November 7!
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