WePAC Criteria for Endorsed Candidates

WePAC believes that actions count more than rhetoric. Our endorsement criteria will therefore
concentrate on a candidate’s record. What actions has the candidate taken to solve the problems that
women face? Below are the issues we will consider.

If the candidate is an incumbent:

What legislation has the candidate introduced, co-sponsored, or voted on relating to women’s issues? (see definition, below)

What is the candidate’s voting record on women’s issues?

Does the makeup of the candidate’s staff reflect principles of pay equity and gender equality?

Has the candidate spoken out publicly in the media or on the campaign trail about women’s issues, including when appropriate condemning sexism or other gender discrimination?

Has the candidate supported – either by financial help or endorsements – other women candidates who also support women’s issues?

If the candidate is a challenger:

What activities in the candidate’s past indicate that she/he is committed to women’s issues?

Does the makeup of the candidate’s campaign staff reflect principles of pay equity and gender equality?

Has the candidate commented publicly or in the media or on the campaign trail about women’s issues, including when appropriate condemning sexism or other gender discrimination? Does the candidate have a position on gender discrimination?

WePAC definition of “Women’s Issues”

The following are important women’s issues that WePAC will take into consideration when evaluating a candidate’s record. An incumbent candidate does not have to have been active in supporting all of these issues, but she cannot have opposed more than 5% of the bills relating to women’s issues. Any opposition to specific legislation must be accompanied by an explanation. Candidates must have a 90% support record for the indirect issues listed.

Direct women’s issues

These are items that directly affect the status of women in society

1. Gender Equality
   This issue involves any legislation that promotes gender equality or that forbids gender discrimination. This includes legislation like the Equal Pay Act.
2. Affordable Child Care
   Affordable and easily available child care gives women the opportunity to have careers and to have a family.
3. Family and Medical Leave
   This is important in giving women the opportunity to have families as well as careers.
4. Protections from Violence Against Women
   Keeping women out of harms way in the home and on the streets.
5. Women’s Health
   This includes not only access to reproductive care, but also special initiatives that specifically affect women, such as breast cancer prevention funding.

Indirect women’s issues

These are items that indirectly effect the status of women in society

1. Affordable Universal Health care
   Access to affordable universal health care is critically important to women and their families.
2. Children’s Advocacy and Education
   Since women generally have the responsibility for raising children, legislation protecting children are important to women.
3. Minority Rights
   When rights and protections are not granted or are taken away from a minority group that includes women, it is an indirect attack on all women. Minorities include the LGBT community, as well as racial and ethic minorities.
4. Protections for Seniors
   Women usually end up with the responsibility for their elder parents. Protections for seniors thus helps women.
5. Environmental and Energy Protections
   We are learning more about the impact of pollution and other effects of the lack of environmental protections and the lack of alternative, clean energy policies on the health of children and other vulnerable peoples worldwide.

Note on Incumbency Advantage

WePAC will endorse candidates who have been strong supporters of our issues in the legislature. Therefore, incumbents will have the advantage over challengers if they have been supporters of women’s issues while in office.

By the same token, when a challenger is running against an incumbent who has been an opponent of women’s issues, the challenger will also have an advantage in regards to WePAC’s endorsement and support.