2002 Elections

         METRO ST.  LOUIS WOMEN'S POLITICAL CAUCUS

May 5, 2002                                              Contact: Jean Dugan (314-968-7531)

Womenís Political Caucus Endorses Rita Days, Joan Bray for Senate
Supports 15 Women Running for State House

ST. LOUIS -- More than 100 women are running for the Missouri legislature in the August 6 primary, and the Metro St.  Louis Womenís Political Caucus just gave its endorsement to 17 of them.

        In two hotly-contested primary races for the Missouri Senate, the multipartisan group endorsed Democrats Rita Days in District 14 and Joan Bray in District 24.  ìRita and Joan shine with the skills needed to represent Missouri voters effectively, including drafting legislation and making the tough decisions,î said Caucus Chair Ann Ross.  ìWe need Rita Days and Joan Bray representing us in the Missouri Senate.î

        The Caucus has helped dozens of female candidates since helping elect Sue Shear to the state legislature in 1972.  ìWeíre pleased to see more female legislative candidates this year, since women make a significant difference when theyíre seated at the table where decisions are made that affect our lives,î says Ross. ìTerm limits can encourage some of the women weíve elected to the state legislature to seek higher office.  And by increasing the number of open seats, these tenure limits can propel more women to come forward to represent us in Jefferson City.î

        The Caucus endorsed six Democratic women in open seat races:

´                 Yaphett El-Amin in District 57

´                 Marlene Terry and Wanda Moose in District 69

´                 Margaret Donnelly in District 73

´                 Mary Elizabeth Dorsey in District 76

´                 Anne Steele in District 77

´                 Pat Willeke in District 100 

        Three challengers received the Caucus endorsement:

´                 Shirley Garhart in District 86

´                 Marilyn Morton in District 87

´                 M. Julie Maguire in District 92

        Five incumbents were endorsed:

´                 Connie LaJoyce Johnson (D-61)

´                 Robin Wright Jones (D-63)

´                 Esther Haywood (D-71)

´                 Juanita Head Walton (D-81)

´                 Barbara Fraser (D-83)

        Women candidates are endorsed based on their progressive positions on reproductive rights, equal rights for women and support for child and dependent care, as well as each campaignís viability.  The Caucus also rates men based on these criteria.  The Caucus gave a high rating to Paul Brother, a Democrat running in District 85 .

        The Metro St.  Louis Womenís Political Caucus is a multipartisan grassroots organization that works to increase the number of women in public office.  Caucus-endorsed candidates receive extensive volunteer support, have access to Caucus mailing lists and materials, and are eligible for funding from the Eastern Missouri Political Action Committee (EMPAC). 

            The Caucus is hosting a fundraiser May 30 to celebrate its 30^th Anniversary. For more information, call Kathy McKemy at 314-355-8033 or visit the Caucus Web site at www.wpc-stl.org

###