Clarksville, Tennessee – January 4, 2010 - Kim McMillan has received the endorsement of the Women’s Campaign Forum in her 2010 campaign for Tennessee’s Governor. The WCF is dedicated to advancing the political participation and leadership of women who support reproductive health choices for all. It is the oldest national non-partisan political committee founded of its kind.
“I appreciate the confidence that WCF has placed in my candidacy and their support for my campaign. The organization’s efforts to increase the number of women who hold elected office is vital as we move toward equality in representation,” McMillan said.
“WCF works tirelessly to improve women’s representation by empowering women from all walks of life to become voters, activists, volunteers, and most importantly, candidates. Kim McMillan is a leader for women nationwide and we are proud to be part of her team. We thank her for her leadership and proudly endorse her candidacy,” said Sam Bennett, WCF President/CEO.
According to WCF’s research, thirty years ago, women held only 3% of the seats in Congress, 11% of statewide elected offices and 10% of state legislature seats. Today, women have more than doubled those numbers to 17% of Congress, 24% of statewide elected offices and 24% of state legislature seats nationwide.
“This endorsement isn’t simply given to every woman who puts her name on a ballot,” Bennett said. “Each candidate’s qualifications are extensively reviewed in a rigorous vetting process. Her leadership as the first female House Majority Leader, her public policy experience, her time as an attorney and in the administration and classroom at Austin Peay State University are all significant contributions and make her the most qualified candidate in Tennessee’s gubernatorial race.”
Nineteen states, including Kentucky and North Carolina, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico have elected female governors. A woman has never been elected to serve as Tennessee’s governor.
