New site answers innovator's question 'How do we get more women into political office?'

A Northern Kentucky businesswoman and former Democratic Kentucky Senate candidate has launched a web site that aims to get more women into the political ring locally and across the nation.

Elect Women is a magazine-style online only publication founded by Kathy Groob, a Fort Mitchell businesswoman and former Paul Hemmer Companies executive.

“In the world of politics, very few resources are dedicated solely to women candidates,” Groob says. “My goal is to make the learning curve less steep for women thinking about running for office and to provide access to information, mentors and advisors. The site is women to women; people who have been through the process will be helping those just beginning the journey.”

Elect Women launched in January and offers a host of campaign resources including links to training, workshops, books and advice and running for office. One particularly useful feature is the campaign toolbox. It lays out the steps for running an effective campaign and includes information on managing everything from social networking and campaign finances to volunteer coordination and voter statistics.

A recent story focused on Annie’s List in Texas, a 2003 campaign fund that helped to increase the number of progressive Democratic women in the Texas Legislature.

 “It has evolved from my original format.  I am doing more stories about women's organizations in states working to help elect more women to public office.  It has become more about sharing stories and information than just pure campaign advice,” Groob said. “I'm trying to help women see how far behind we are as a nation, and that there are areas where success is happening. We need to replicate it.” 

Kentucky Women’s Network Founder and President, Lillian Press, agreed

 “Women are truly a minority in public office. The Women's Network, Advocates for Democratic Principles, committed to recruiting, mentoring, and supporting quality candidates, welcomes Elect Women Magazine blog as a complement to our efforts and an enormous resource for candidates and thousands of organizations like The Women's Network across the nation,” Press said.

Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Kathy Groob, publisher Elect Women