Press Room
Highlights from Barbara Lee Family Foundation 2008 Governors Research
The significance of the 2008 elections for women has been widely noted. For the first time, women were running at the top-of-the ticket in both parties. The campaigns of Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin highlighted the obstacles that women face when running for office. At times, the presidential race overshadowed the gubernatorial races. However, Washington, North Carolina, Indiana and Vermont all had women running for governor in 2008. The Barbara Lee Family Foundation conducted groundbreaking bipartisan research analyzing these female gubernatorial campaigns.
Following are some key findings from the research:
1. Successful candidates demonstrated their toughness as a combination of competence, clarity, decisiveness, and good sportsmanlike competitiveness.
2. Successful candidates gained confidence from staying authentic throughout the campaign.
3. Campaign teams agree that women candidates enjoy greater voter acceptance today than at any time before. Women bring more strengths to their candidacy than they always realize. Roles such as mother, wife, professional, care giver, and athlete are all features that voters respond positively to.
4. Candidate's performance qualities matter. Voters and reporters expect the person with the microphone to entertain them. Showmanship is becoming an essential quality for political success.
5. Winning candidates included their physical appearance as part of their strategy. They developed an executive look and style that was comfortable for them.
6. These candidates found that having a strong support system of female mentors, friends, and family members kept them grounded.
7. The composition of campaign staff matters. The most effective and disciplined campaign teams were gender balanced.
8. In an economic downturn, voters believe that a woman would be fairer in managing scarce resources.
9. As a result of the Presidential races, which included female candidates Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin, we found that the universe of national women donors could be vastly expanded. The internet is an essential fundraising tool for female gubernatorial candidates.
The full results of the 2008 research will be released later this year. The Barbara Lee Family Foundation has conducted research on women seeking executive office for ten years. The Governor Guidebook Series consists of four publications can can be found on the website.
For more information, please contact our office at 617.234.0355 or email Dawn Huckelbridge dhuckelbridge@leefamilyoffice.com.
