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Local caucus creates women's network

More than 75 community members piled into Ann Arbor resident Janine Easter's home last night to give moral and financial support to female candidates running for government positions.

The Washtenaw County Women's Political Caucus hosted a benefit honoring U.S. Rep. Lynn Rivers (D-Mich.), state Sen. Alma Wheeler Smith (D-Salem Twp.), state Rep. Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor), state Rep. Mary Schroer (D-Livonia), Ann Arbor Drain Commissioner Janis Bobrin and Debbie Stabenow, a congressional candidate.

"This is probably the strongest event we've hosted," said Sydney West, WCWPC Fundraising chair.

Founded in 1971, the National WPC guides women through recruitment, training and promotion supporting "women who are progressive, pro-choice, protective of the environment and compassionate about welfare," said membership chair Rebecca Wells.

"I'm here to support the candidates," said Catherine McCleary, an Ann Arbor resident. "I think that women bring a unique and important viewpoint to government," she said. "And I say unique because there haven't been enough of them."

Elated about the warm community welcome, Schroer said she dreams of a 50-percent female government and a female president.

"Women share experiences which lead to shared values," Schroer said.

The politicians agreed that in elections and policymaking, women face tough challenges.

"If they're not calling you a bitch, you know you're not doing the right thing," said Ann Arbor councilmember Elisabeth Daley (D-5th Ward).

Schroer said people call her "hard to get along with" when she disagrees on issues.

She called the effect "the infantilization of women," and said people act respectful "as long as you're a good girl, but (become critical) as soon as I want to put down my foot."

LSA sophomore Fiona Rose, who attended the event, has political aspirations of her own, though she anticipates struggle and compromise.

"Students shouldn't be afraid of getting into politics," she said "We should be proud to be involved."

According to the politicians, this election year is particularly important for issues that effect women and families.

"Education cuts ban funding for science and math teachers, areas that women are not visible in," Smith said.

"No-fault divorce laws are incredibly important for women right now," Schroer said. "(New legislation) will keep a lot of women in bad marriages."

Child care and health care are also under attack, Smith said.

While funding active women politicians is important, generating young women's interest in politics is another goal of WCWPC.