National Organization for Women

State of Ohio

Political Action Committee (PAC)

In 1981, members of OHIO NOW realized that in order to help elect feminist candidates in the state a Political Action Committee was needed and OHIO NOW PAC was founded. OHIO NOW PAC is a separate entity with its own governing board of OHIO NOW members and is registered with the State of Ohio, Secretary of State's Office. OHIO NOW PAC provides endorsements and funds to candidates who subscribe to NOW's purpose. Candidates must be feminist leaders and strong supporters of women's rights issues including, but not limited to: reproductive rights without restrictions economic justice civil rights for all including recognition of gay marriage constitutional equality for women affirmative action ending violence against women Endorsements are the highest show of support for a candidate. These go to the strongest feminist candidates.

However, while OHIO NOW PAC seeks to bring more women into public office, it will not support a woman against a "good" man when he is the better candidate on our issues. When all other criteria are equal, OHIO NOW PAC will support a woman candidate over a man because experience has taught us that over time women candidates will generally perform better. Support is an infrequently used, lesser category useful for candidates who are not perfect on NOW issues but who are identified as women's rights supporters and are clearly preferable to their opposition. It is unacceptable to support a candidate who opposes ANY of our priority issues.

Contributions can be made to either endorsed or supported candidates. They can include either monetary or in-kind donations and are reportable to the Ohio Secretary of State's Office. The OHIO NOW PAC has developed new Standing Rules, Policies and Procedures, Selection Guidelines and Questionnaires. We hope these new tools make the OHIO NOW PAC better and more effective than ever before.

Please contact Diane Dodge, 330-336-2578, msdodge@akrobiz.com or Susan M. Bader, 614-485-0996, ohionow@ohionow.org if you would like to become involved with the PAC, would like an endorsement, or would like more information. This year's elections are extremely important in wake of many Bush administration decisions that are eroding our civil liberties and endangering the lives of women and children. OHIO NOW PAC is still in the selection process for this year. Our funds are limited and donations urgently needed. By supporting feminist candidates for election to the statehouse and locally WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Please send donations made out to OHIO NOW PAC, to Kathy Helmbock, 4021 Paxton Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45209 be sure to include your full name and address, employer and occupation. This information will be kept confidential on file unless requested by the Secretary of State's Office. VOTE - Our foremothers were ridiculed, assaulted, beaten, and jailed for 72 years for their attempts to gain suffrage for women. Honor their memories by voting and supporting the OHIO NOW PAC. Women's voices and votes DO MATTER. But, we need to vote to be counted. Today there are 50 million US women who are eligible but not registered to vote. Imagine the impact these women could have on the direction of our country if they only knew how much their vote matters. With our very lives in danger I am urging you to join an historic effort to register, educate, recruit and mobilize women voters and women activists. Speak up, tell everyone you know how important their vote is. Speak out, educate them about the terrible things the Bush administration is doing. And act, go to the polls on November 2nd and take others with you.

Diane M Dodge and Susan M. Bader
Ohio NOW PAC Co-Chairs
Paid for by the Ohio National Organization for Women, Political Action Committee
          

Related PAC Questionnaires and Internet Resources

PAC Questionnaire

Ensure Your Vote Counts in Ohio Conference

Ohio Secretary of State

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