With its custom of odd-year state elections, New Jersey is in election mode every year, and 2013 is turning out to be an especially interesting one for political women in the Garden State. A record number of women candidates have won nominations for the state legislature, and Democrats have nominated State Senator Barbara Buono to oppose Governor Chris Christie in his bid for re-election, the first time the party has chosen a woman for its top ballot slot. Christie will once again have a woman - Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno - as his running mate. And Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver is among the four Democratic candidates in the special election for the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by Senator Frank Lautenberg. Find the NJ election details here.
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NEW Leadership™ New Jersey: 22 Years and Counting
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Last week, CAWP offered its 22nd annual NEW Leadership™ New Jersey program for college women. On June 6th, 38 women arrived at Eagleton to participate in six days of intensive learning and skill building. Students tried out networking at Friday's keynote reception, followed by inspiring remarks from New York City Councilwoman Diana Reyna. This year's class also benefited from three fabulous women leaders who served as faculty in residence, providing a glimpse into the realities of political life. Students gained first-hand experience in political strategy and policy-making while researching policy on paid sick days and acting as proponents, opponents, lawmakers or press in mock press conferences and a legislative hearing. In preparation for their own mock hearing, students attended a real legislative hearing at the State House in Trenton, where they also met with State Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff, Commissioner Jennifer Velez, Assemblywoman Mila Jasey, and many women leaders. The students even found some time for fun - from an ice cream social (followed by Zumba) to an open mic night that proved that these future leaders are already exceptional. Congratulations to all who made the program such a success! To see more photos from NEW Leadership™ NJ 2013, see the albums on CAWP's Facebook page.
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Advancing Women's Leadership Nationwide |
NEW Leadership™ programs continue across the country this spring. More and more students are stepping up to change the face of leadership! Check out some of the photos from programs in MO, PA, and IL. Special congratulations to all of our partner programs who completed their 2013 institutes since our last newsletter - PA, IL, Tri-College (MN and ND), and New England!
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Potty Politics: The recently-announced expansion of the women's restroom in the United States Senate serves as a reminder of women's historic level of representation in that congressional chamber. While still holding only 20 percent of all Senate seats, the women there are making their mark on the culture and agenda of an institution long dominated by men. 0 for 6 in VA: Of the six Republican and Democratic statewide candidates on Virginia's November 2013 ballot, none are women. As a result, Virginia will remain one of only seven states with no women in statewide elective office. TBD? Hillary Clinton launched her Twitter account last week, leaving much room for speculation about a possible 2016 run. What do you think? |
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