The Year of the Woman Hits New York

Writing at POLITICO, Maggie Haberman profiles Democratic women challenging incumbent Republicans in the State Senate, and notes that The Year of the Woman Hits New York:

The Year of the Woman candidate has arrived in New York for the 2010 cycle, with an unprecedented slate of 10 female hopefuls vying for legislative office on the Democratic side in a state known as politically progressive but lagging at the state level.

With help from EMILY’s List over the last few years, the state Senate Democrats now have 10 women competing in districts ranging from swing-county Suffolk in Long Island to more rural areas of upstate New York.

“I think it is reflective of a larger pattern throughout the country,” said state Sen. Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan), who is the recruitment chair for the political arm of the Senate Democrats. “Women in both parties throughout the country are looking at who’s in office and saying, ‘Oh hell, I can do better than that!'”

Women make up 52% of the population in New York State. So it’s shameful that only 16% (just 10 out of 62) of our state senators are women. The slate of women candidates run by the New York Senate Dems could double the number of women serving in the state senate, and clear the way for progress on a host of issues including ethics reform and marriage equality. But what these women bring to the table goes far beyond reform and social issues that have defined past campaigns by women.

The slate of candidates looking to unseat 1/3 or the republican conference demonstrate a strong a track record of economic achievement around which they are focusing their campaigns.  These women created jobs at the county level; they increased investment in green jobs; they even took on Wall Street giants – and won.  They’re fighting not only to end the dysfunction in Albany, but to put our state back on sound economic footing

“I think what sets these women apart is they’re accomplished in their own rights and own careers and now want to turn their attentions [to government],” said state Sen. Jeff Klein, adding that those running are not being pigeonholed into campaigning on what are typically considered “women’s issues,” a fate that has befallen some other female Empire State candidates.

This election cycle, the stakes have never been higher.  Democrats hold a razor-thin, one vote majority in the State Senate.  The outcome of these races will determine how effective we are at moving a Democratic Agenda in 2011 and putting our state back on track.

As Susan Savage, the Democratic challenger to 34-year incumbent Hugh Farley, says – “We’re not going to change Albany until we change the people that we send to Albany.” With your help, these women will unseat Republican obstructionists who created Albany’s corrupt culture, help revive our economy, and give New Yorkers the government they deserve.

Below is a quick look at the New York Senate Dems class of women challengers.  Click the links for more information, or to join and contribute to their campaigns.

Susan Savage – Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature, she created thousands of jobs and brought millions in investments into the county.  She is challenging 34-year incumbent Hugh Farley in the 44th Senate District.

Joanne Yepsen – As Saratoga County Supervisor, Joanne Yepsen held down local taxes and helped local businesses. She is now challenging Joe Bruno’s hand-picked-successor, Roy McDonald, in the 43rd Senate District.

Didi Barrett – A leader in the non profit world for decades, and a strong advocate for women in New York, Didi Barrett is challenging 20-year incumbent Steve Saland in the 41st Senate District, the seat once held by FDR.

Mary Wilmot – As Regional Director for the Governor and the New York State Senate, Wilmot has extensive knowledge of the challenges Upstate New York faces, and she is determined to revitalize New York’s economy through investments in clean energy.  Wilmot is challenging 14-year incumbent James Alesi in the 55th Senate District.

Robin Wilt – As community activist, real estate agent, and small business owner, Wilt has seen first-hand the economic challenges facing Monroe County. She is the co-founder of the Genesee Valley chapter of Progressive Democrats of America, and is challenging seven-year incumbent Joe Robach.

Regina Calcaterra – A corporate fraud lawyer who took on Wall Street and won, Regina Calcaterra is now taking the fight to thirty-four-year incumbent Ken LaValle in Suffolk County’s 1st Senate District.

Kathleen Joy – Syracuse Common Counselor-At-Large and Majority Leader Kathleen Joy has a record promoting green infrastructure.  She’s now challenging 18-year incumbent, and self-described GOP “pit bull” John DeFrancisco in the 50th Senate Distirct.

Cynthia Appleton – A three-term Warsaw, Appleton has first-hand experience with the impact of Albany’s dysfunction at the local level, and is ready to clean up the capital.  She is running for the open seat vacated by retiring Republican Senator Dale Volker.

Pam Mackesey – As a union organizer, she witnessed first-hand the struggles that everyday Shuyler, Steuben, and Chemung county residents face, Pam Mackesey is determined to defeat six-year incumbent George Winner in the 53rd Senate District.

Carol Gordon – As a Mental Health Clinic Manager and Patient Advocate at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Carol Gordon served our veterans for 25 years.  Now she is challenging twelve-year incumbent Charle’s Fuschillo in the 8th Senate District.

Disclosure: I am the New York Senate Dems’ New Media Director.