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Guidebooks
The Governors Guidebook Series
When the Barbara Lee Family Foundation began studying women's gubernatorial campaigns, there were only three women holding the keys to the governor's office. By 2001, there were four women governors. Today, eight women serve as chief executives of their states.
Why is this so significant? One simple reason: women's collective power creates change. When there is a critical mass of women present -- whether it is a neighborhood meeting, a corporate board room or a senate committee -- the discussion changes.
Over the past four election cycles, the Barbara Lee Family Foundation has commissioned non-partisan research to identify the roadblocks faced by women running for governor and to develop strategies for candidates to overcome them. This research has included analyses from a national survey, focus groups, exit poll data, and interviews with candidates, their staff, and consultants. The Foundation has produced four guidebooks, synthesizing this research.
In this guide we highlight the best practices of the victorious class of 2006 incumbents. We also identify the positive traits and policies voters now associate with female governors and their governing styles - keys to success for women seeking any level of governent office.
This guide tracks continuing trends, identifies new challenges and shares the successful practices of winning female candidates.
A new urgency emerged from September 11th, one in which we recognized the need to address terrorism and the cause of terrorism in addition to the economy, education, and the other issues on our national agenda. As our research shows, women offer different skills and perpsectives during times of crisis. This guide provides specific advice for women candidates on connecting with voters about their concerns about jobs and personal security.
With 40,000 copies in circulation, Keys to the Governor's Office: Unlock the Door: The Guide for Women Running for Governor, is a comprehensive research report about women running for executive political office, highlighting key challenges that keep women from competing on an equal footing with men in gubernatorial contests.