Has the audacity of hope died so soon?
I am considering a run for FL Congressional District 7. As I travel around to meet with party leaders in my area, they begin by telling me all the reasons why the seat can't be won (money, incumbent entrenchment, money). I find myself wondering - am I the only one who feels like Obama forever changed the face of who can run and who can win?
Regardless of party, shouldn't we be encouraging a diverse group of candidates instead of "system" generated ones?
Regardless of party, shouldn't we be encouraging a diverse group of candidates instead of "system" generated ones?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kathy Groob on -
Dear Heather,
I am the publisher of ElectWomen Magazine. I hope you will visit the site and utilize the resources you need to get your campaign started. We are available to answer your questions, so feel free to contact us. Don't let naysayers discourage you. With the proper plan and tools, you can raise money and run an effective campaign. Best wishes,
Kathy Groob
www.electwomen.com
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Permalink Reply by Heather M. Beaven on -
Oh yes Kathy. I will be taking full advantage of your wonderful resources. By the way, my mother always told me that "women who have true power, give it away freely for the betterment of us all." You prove her right. Thank you for your dedication to this mission and for helping us fledglings!
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Permalink Reply by Heather M. Beaven on
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So, it's official Kathy. I have announced my candidacy for US Congress, Florida, District 7. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=91291666380 or www.beavenforcongress.com (still under construction) Maybe we could talk soon?
Heather
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Permalink Reply by Nisrin Martin on -
Congratulations! I admire you for taking the plunge. I wish you success in your race. I would love to know how you are doing so please keep in touch. I too would like to run for State Representative in my district, a life-long ambition that I kept at bay for 14 years as I raised my family, but I'm still undecided. I live in Chicago, yes, the land of one impeached governor and one in jail-corruption galore! That would mean running against the incumbent who has held the seat for 22+ years and is a crony of the 'machine' that preselects candidates. Good luck and I hope to hear from you soon.
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Permalink Reply by Kimberly Jenkins on -
Don't listen to them! Believe in yourself and continue to finalize your plans. Make sure you file the necessary paperwork and select a campaign manager, treasurer and you take a class on how to run in some shape or form even it is online. Also get out there and meet the people in Congressional District 7!!!! Have you learned nothing from President Obama's campaign my friend. The only person who goes in the voting booth is the voter.
Develop a platform and devise an agenda. Customize some email addresses like FriendsofHeatherBeaven@yahoo.com. Carry business cards, read all the papers in your area, write editorials, join community boards and speak to the people!
Let me know if there is anything you need and I will try to help.
Best,
Kim Jenkins
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Permalink Reply by Heather M. Beaven on
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Wow Kim, thank you, thank you for the pep talk. I am working it and really appreciate your kind words. Women have such a way of building each other up. Spent the day talking to "I'm no trying to talk you out of it but...." men. Nice, well meaning men but it's not the same as reading words of inspiration like yours. I will definately pick your brain in the near future. I appreciate you!
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Permalink Reply by Laurie Olmon on -
Dear Heather,
I live in an area where we have the same problem - but our senate district is not so much the problem as it is the state organization.
I too am tired of the attitude that we can't beat without money or "this type" of candidate. If you want to help your community, if you have the passion and the story(s) to help your citizens and be their eyes, ears, and mouthpiece, then that is all you need. Citizens are looking for change, they are looking for equality, and they are looking for someone like themselves to represent them.
I won my election to city council because I wanted to make sure transparency and accountabilit were brought to my city. That is why I was elected. I was also elected because I was a woman and people were tired of the "old boys network".
Use Kathy's resources, WHP resources, the ladies here, and use the citizens of your area to back you. If you tell your story, keep it real (which as a woman we know you will) your citizens will be behind you and the "party" will have no choice but to back you.
You go girl - run with it - it is amazing - it is a rush - and like someone said here - its just like getting a tattoo, once you get your first one its like an addiction. I am having fun and loving it.
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Permalink Reply by Heather M. Beaven on
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Thank you Laurie for you words of encouragement. I am really leaning toward announcing soon in no small part due to the support of women like you. Can I pick your brain as I continue to make my way through this?
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Permalink Reply by Laurie Olmon on
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no problem - distinctscenery@q.com or here either way.
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