The WCF Experience
Here at WCF, we pride ourselves on being intimate, versatile, and personal. As political venture capitalists, we invest in talented women during their earliest stages of public life. We also ensure that our members, supporters, and sister allied organizations communicate directly with our staff in order to meet their needs.
What sets us apart from other national women's political organizations?
- We focus on the woman, not only the race.
- We work closely with women leaders at all stages of their political lives to help them cultivate their expertise and enrich their experience.
- Our support comes early when the need for support is greatest.
- We're nimble and approachable.
- We give help where and when it's needed.
- We provide practical tools for political engagement through genuine accessibility and personal touch.
With WCF, you will speak directly to our president, Siobhan "Sam" Bennett, as well as our Political Director to ensure your needs are met.
Here's what some WCF-endorsed candidates have said about us over the years:
"WCF was there for me in my first campaign; they've been there ever since. They provided me the opportunity to fight for my first seat in Congress against very stiff odds--and look where I am now! And they are there for today's progressive women candidates, women with great potential to be winners." Geraldine Ferraro, 1984 Vice Presidential candidate, former Congresswoman (NY-9)
Geraldine Ferraro's campaign manager, 1984
"While I've been around politics for a long time, I would never have run for office myself if it were not for the encouragement of other women... Our country needs you more than ever before, and the Women's Campaign Forum is there to help."Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), former United States Presidential Candidate and Current Secretary of State, 2007
"If it hadn't been for WCF, I wouldn't have come to Washington."
Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), 1983
"WCF creates opportunities, so that all women can beat the odds,
instead of having the odds stacked against us. I know about beating
odds. As the first woman Treasurer of Texas, I'm proof-positive that
women can beat the odds when we have the resources and drive to do it.
WCF provides those resources, and ignites that drive, for women
candidates throughout the nation. WCF is by far the most effective and
powerful bipartisian national political action committee working to
elect women candidates today. WCF's political staff works tirelessly to
recruit strong women candidates, giving them the tools they need." Ann Richards, former Governor of Texas, 1989
Ann Richards, former Governor of Texas, 1989
"When I decided to represent Indiana's 4th District, the first group in Washington I heard from was WCF. Today, I am one of 29 women in the US Congress because WCF was with me from the beginning - providing maximum financial support, sophisticated political strategy, and perhaps, most importantly, the encouragement I needed to win." Jill Long Thompson, former Congresswoman (IN-4) and Under Secretary for Rural Development in the US Department of Agriculture, 1989
Kathleen Sebelius (D-KS), Current Secretary of HHS for the Obama Administration
"WCF plays a unique and important role for women candidates in this era of partisan politics. In 1990, they'll once again be at the top of my campaign organization."
Nancy Johnson, former Congresswoman (CT-5), 1989
Kathleen Brown, former Treasurer for the State of California, 1989
Claudine Schneider, former Congresswoman (RI-21), 1989
Rose Perica Mofford, former Governor and Secretary of State of Arizona, 1990
"WCF is one of the best organizations in the nation serving women candidates. I rely on WCF's extensive women's network for advice, support, and financial assistance. Keep up the good work!" Evelyn Murphy, former Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, 1990
"WCF was there for me in 1986 and they have been an integral part of my team ever since. Their advice is always timely and politically astute."
Arliss Sturgulewski, former Alaska State Senator, 1990
Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-11), 2008
“I am proud to join women leaders from throughout the country and at all levels
of public service who support reproductive health choices for all. I am honored
to have the endorsement of the WCF and to help promote their inclusive agenda.” Margaret Vanderhye, Candidate for Virginia House of Delegates, 34th District
“The Women’s Campaign Fund was invaluable to me by giving me my first PAC check when I ran for the Senate. WCF’s early support has made the difference for thousands of women candidates.”
Carol Moseley-Braun, First African-American woman elected to the US Senate
“WCF has had a dramatic impact on the way lawmakers address the issues that impact women and they have lent crucial support for pro-choice female candidates.”
Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (NY-4), 2008
“I support the goals and work of WCF and very much appreciate their endorsement. It is very important that we continue to improve women’s representation in all walks of life and at every level of government.”
Rep. Betty Sutton, (OH-13), 2008
“WCF was the first endorsement I sought, and the first I received in both my 2006 & 2010 races. I’ll never forget WCF’s non-partisan support was there for me – at the very beginning.”Barbara Ann Radnofsky, Candidate for Texas Attorney General, 2009
“WCF is an effective and strong non-partisan force in our political system, and has made a real difference in the efforts of pro-choice women throughout the nation who are running for public office.”"WCF’s nonpartisan approach is vital as it allows women who care about choice to set aside party politics and unite around reproductive freedom and health.”
“WCF has been there for me since the beginning. They supported me in my first race, and, despite a loss in that campaign, they encouraged me and stuck behind me.”
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), 2008
“Thank you for your early support in my campaign. I am facing
an uphill battle, and with the support of the WCF PAC, I know I will cross the
finish line victoriously!”
Dana M. Kennedy, Candidate for Phoenix City Council
2009
“I am honored to receive the WCF endorsement for my re-election to Congress. This oath of confidence by the WCF means a lot to me – and to voters in California’s 16th Congressional District!”
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-16), 2008
“WCF and its members have always been fantastic supporters and I am so grateful. Recruiting, supporting, and electing pro-choice women is essential to more effective and representative government at the local, state, and national levels.”
Rep. Betty McCollum (MN-4), 2008
“WCF’s strong network of women and supporters have worked to ensure increased female representation in public service, giving women a voice in our nation’s policy making.”
Rep. Loretta Sanchez (CA-47), 2008
“Thanks to WCF, we have a record number of women in the US Congress—though still not nearly enough. The WCF training, organizational, and financial support makes a big difference.”
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-9), 2008
“Running for office will test your faith, your will, and your talents. But victory and the positive changes that you can achieve will give you unmatched satisfaction of knowing that people in your community trust you to make their lives better.”
Rep. Betty Sutton (OH-13), 2008
“Too often, supremely qualified women running for public office face difficulties generated by institutional and cultural inertia. WCF helps candidates throughout the country overcome these hurdles and works to promote elections run on merit, not stereotype. I am proud to have their endorsement and support."
Leslie Crocker Snyder, Candidate for Manhattan District Attorney, 2009
“My late mother, New Hampshire Senator Susan McLane, a pioneer for women in politics and a founder of the WCF, inspired and encouraged a generation of women to run for elective office. Only 17% of the U.S. Senate and House are women, and I am proud to be part of a new generation of candidates who aim to change those odds and bring full representation to the U.S. Congress, for our daughters and granddaughters to come.”
Ann McLane Kuster, candidate for U.S. House from New Hampshire
“ I am honored and humbled to receive the support of WCF and its members, and I look forward to working together towards victory in 2010!”
Jocelyn Benson, Candidate for Michigan Secretary of State
