MOMocrats

The White House Project's Marie Wilson on Clinton Remaining in the Race

The White House Project is a nonpartisan organization that "aims to advance women’s leadership in all communities and sectors, up to the U.S. presidency. By filling the leadership pipeline with a richly diverse, critical mass of women, we make American institutions, businesses and government truly representative." I've been a supporter of their mission for several years now, and I'm impressed by how they have grown and the work they do.

Their blog, "Change Everything", includes their thoughts and activities, and this week's post by their founder, Marie Wilson, cuts to the heart of the issue on why Hillary Clinton is still in the race. "An Army of Women" explains (paraphrasing Eric Boehlart of Media Matters) that "numerous [recent] precendents exist for nominees to continue to duke it out until party conventions: Reagan and Ford; Kennedy and Carter; Hart and Mondale." Wilson writes of cultural fears of "feminist fury."

It's Not All Bad News This Morning for Hillary Clinton Fans

So maybe the fat lady isn't singing quite yet, but I know she's warming up in the wings somewhere after last night's squeaker in Indiana.

But for those of you looking for the silver lining to this cloud that hangs over Hillary Clinton's campaign, long-time women's activist Gloria Feldt, who blogs at HeartFeldt Politics, has a few words at Mothers of Intention that might make you feel a little better.

For political women, the fight doesn't end here -- it's just the beginning.

You can find Joanne crunching the superdelegate numbers over at her place, PunditMom.

New Congresswoman Jackie Speier At Home in Washington

Tuesday, the special election for California District 12's seat in the House to replace Tom Lantos, couldn't have been better scripted for former California State Senator Jackie Speier. Winning 78% of the vote, she flew the next day to Washington and was sworn in yesterday as a member of Congress. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, she spoke on behalf of her constituents here in California and the majority of them want us out of Iraq. I lived in what's now her district in the past and I'm proud to say I was able to vote for her twice, but not this time. (I'm in her friend, Anna Eshoo's district now.) Jackie - or I should say - Congresswoman Speier was welcomed by many, and she spoke without fear about what she hopes to accomplish. And did I mention she's now a superdelegate?

Run, Mama, Run: Jackie Speier Running for Congress in Special Election Next Week

Imagine a great person, a principled woman, a dedicated mom in congress.  Yes, there are already a few of those, but we're very close to electing one more.  On April 8th, former California State Senator Jackie Speier may succeed to where she aimed nearly three decades ago, U.S. Congress.  Speier, shown left with me and my daughter, a resident of Hillsborough, California, the youngest woman elected to the San Mateo County supervisors, reportedly the first mom to breast feed in the California State Assembly (as a new widow), and a well-respected two-term state senator first ran for congress after a terrifying experience where her boss, then U.S. Congressman, Leo Ryan, was killed in front of her eyes.

This is a woman who I've had the privilege of seeing in action firsthand and whom I have admired for many years.  (Photo is from last year, taken on my phone of me, my daughter, and Senator Speier.)  People like her are rare, and our nation would be incredibly lucky to have her legislating on our behalf.  Due to a sad twist of fate, Senator Speier may become Congresswoman Speier in a special election next week.

For those not following this race, here's a great article that sums up much of what's going on, although the latest news is that Larry Lessig decided not to jump in.  I'm glad.  I've met him, I have friends who have worked with him, and I think he's an incredible person with a valiant mission, but he can make a difference in a variety of ways.  You couldn't interview a thousand people and find one better qualified for this role than Jackie Speier.  She's worked her whole life to get to this point.  She could do other jobs too or come at her work from another angle, but this is the best vehicle for her to serve the public good.