Arizona List Welcomes Deb Dale

Arizona List is proud to announce Deborah Dale as our new executive director. Dale comes to Arizona List from The Primavera Foundation where she was the Chief Development Officer for over six years. She was named Southern Arizona’s Professional Fundraiser of the year at the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ 2008 National Philanthropy Day.

Dale will be replacing Pam Grissom who will continue to serve as Chairwoman of Arizona List’s Board. Grissom said, “Deb’s leadership, expertise and passion for fundraising and women’s politics made her an ideal candidate for the job. Her experience will take Arizona List to new heights of excellence.”

Deb, a long-time supporter of Arizona List, says “I am thrilled to be joining Arizona List and look forward to building the organization’s mission of electing pro-choice, Democratic women to local and state office,” said Dale. “This is a crucial time for Arizona, the decisions being made at the legislature will have long term impact on women’s health in Arizona. Now more than ever, we need to protect and elect true leaders.”

Nominate a Member for our Board of Directors

Do you know someone who is committed to women’s politics? A leader who is willing to be an ambassador to her community for Arizona List? If so, nominate her to be on our Board of Directors by completing the Board Application and Responsibilities. Return the completed application to Arizona List, PO Box 42294, Tucson, AZ 85733 or fax it to 520-327-6920.

The 2010 Arizona List bylaws call for our current members to elect a member to our Board of Directors. Our Board will review the nominations you send us and nominate three women to be voted on by you in the March newsletter. The Board of Directors will be selecting nominees who have demonstrated a commitment to Democratic politics and to women’s rights. Board members are asked to make a 1 to 2 year commitment, attend four Board meetings a year, help Arizona List with fund raising and candidate mentoring as well as serve on one of our committees. Nominations must be received by March 1, 2010.

Take Our 2009 Survey

Arizona List is your organization. We would like to know what you think about what we did in 2009 and where we should go in 2010. Don’t forget we are counting on you to take our survey and give us your thoughts. Your comments are important to help us improve Arizona List for you, our candidates, and our political community. The survey will be open until March 1, 2010.

Ballots in the Mail for Fountain Hills Election

The ballots go in the mail this week for the Fountain Hills election where Arizona List has endorsed Ginny Dickey. Ms. Dickey is the only woman running in this race and is asking Arizona List members to contribute so she can get her final mailing out this week. Checks can be sent to “Ginny for Council”, 13227 N. Mimosa Drive #112, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268. The maximum allowed contribution is $410. Find out about Ginny Dickey’s campaign on Facebook.

Save the Date

Phoenix: Saturday, March 13 – Effective Messaging for Political Campaigns

Tucson: Friday – February 26 – Arizona List Night at the Theater

Annual Luncheon and Happy Hour Set for March 27

The Arizona List Sixth Annual Luncheon will be March 27 at the Doubletree Hotel in Tucson with an evening dessert reception at the Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix. Our special guest for this event is Amy Walter, Editor of The Hotline. Arizona List is excited to share Amy Walter’s perspective on the 2010 election and the current status of women in politics with our members. Her expertise provides an engaging, compelling presentation that keeps audiences riveted. Look for invitations in the mail in February.

Center for Progressive Leadership Training

The Center for Progressive Leadership offers a comprehensive training program for progressive individuals planning or thinking about running for an elected office in the near or distant future, as well as those wishing to hone their skills as campaign managers. The Center is currently accepting applications for the session held on the weekends of April 10-11, May 1-2, and May 22-23 (all workshops are in Phoenix). The program fee is $100. Applications are due by March 22. For more information or to register, please contact Angelica Delgadillo at (602) 254-1495 or adelgadillo@progressiveleaders.org.

Just the Facts

Arizona List celebrates Arizona Statehood Day on February 14. Did you know:

• Arizona has sent only four women to Congress: Isabella Selmes Greenway (D) 1933-36, Karan English (D) 1992-94, Gabrielle Giffords (D) elected in 2006, and Ann Kirkpatrick (D) elected in 2008.*
• Arizona is in 10th place in the percentage of women legislators (31.1%). Women hold 28 of the 90 legislative seats (12 out of 30 in the Senate – 7 Democrats, 5 Republicans; 16 out of 60 in the House – 9 Democrats, 7 Republicans).*
• As of July 2009,  in the 25 Arizona cities with populations of over 30,000 49 (27.6%) of the 177 elected municipal officials are women.*
• Only three (12%) of the 25 mayors are women – Elaine Scruggs of Glendale, Marie Lopez Rogers of Avondale and Sara Presler (previously Arizona List endorsed candidate) of Flagstaff.*
• Until January of 2010 when Arizona List endorsed candidate Sharon Wolcott was sworn in, Surprise was the only Arizona city with a population over 30,00 with no woman serving on its mayor/council.*

Celebrate Arizona Statehood Day by making an additional contribution to Arizona List to be part of our effort to elect women in Arizona who will provide real leadership in our legislature and focus on the right priorities for Arizona.

*Arizona Women’s Political Caucus

Arizona List Endorses Ginny Dickey

Arizona List is proud to endorse Ginny Dickey for a second term on the Fountain Hills Town Council. Ginny was endorsed in 2006 in her first campaign. In the last four years Council Member Dickey has been instrumental in the creation of a comprehensive environmental policy including an Economic Development Plan for Downtown with business-friendly practices. Ginny tells us, “I want to continue to be part of the Fountain Hills Council dedicated to realizing our Town’s goals and visions, and appreciate the encouragement and support of Arizona List’s leadership and wonderful members.” Find out about Ginny Dickey’s campaign on Facebook.

Take Our 2009 Survey

Arizona List had an extremely successful 2009. We built our membership to 731 members and are close to our goal of 1000 members by November 2010. We built our largest war chest ever so we can write maximum super-PAC checks to our endorsed candidates. We elected three women to city councils in 2009:  Rosanna Gabaldon to Sahuarita Town Council, Sharon Wolcott to Surprise City Council and Karin Uhlich to Tucson City Council.

We would like to know what you think about what we did in 2009 and where we should go in 2010. Please take our survey and give us your thoughts. Your comments are important to help us improve Arizona List for our candidates, our members and our political community.

EMILY’s List Endorses Arizona List Candidates

Arizona List congratulates our endorsed statewide candidates, Felecia Rotellini and Penny Kotterman, on their endorsement by EMILY’s List (Arizona List is not affiliated with EMILY’s List). The endorsements are accompanied by PAC checks from the national organization. Arizona List members can check out the links above for information on the candidates’ appearances, campaign news, or to make a donation or volunteer for their campaigns.

Our Women Working For You at the Legislature

Last week, 13 state parks were recommended for closure and Oracle State Park, just north of Tucson, remains closed due to the Republican failure to find a bipartisan budget solution. Arizona List endorsed legislators are advocating to keep open the state parks that bring in small business dollars for the economy in their districts. Rep. Pat Fleming, Rep. Lynne Pancrazi, and Rep. Nancy Young-Wright along with other members of the Democratic House Caucus met with the State Parks Board last week and will meet with area business leaders and concerned constituents to discuss possible alternatives. “The closure of these state parks is devastating to small businesses in Arizona,” Young Wright said. “Having these state parks open can decide whether visitors will come to small businesses in small towns.”

Council Members Face Recall in Tucson

Council Members Regina Romero and Karin Uhlich along with Mayor Bob Walkup are being targeted for recall, despite the fact that Tucson voters sent Council Member Uhlich back for another four years just last November. Council Member Romero would need to run for election in 2010 and immediately begin preparing for her re-election in 2011. Both women were Arizona List endorsed candidates. Pam Grissom, Arizona List Board Chair said, “At a time when Tucson is facing a budget crisis that will reduce services and cost jobs, Tucson voters are not well served by a recall election that will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and distract the Tucson City Council from the business at hand.”

Save the Date

Phoenix: Sunday February 7 – Exclusive Leadership Council Event with Barbara Lee

Phoenix: Saturday, March 13 – Effective Messaging for Political Campaigns

Tucson: Friday, February 26 – Arizona List Night at Borderlands Theater

Annual Luncheon and Happy Hour Set for March 27

The Arizona List Sixth Annual Luncheon will be March 27 at the Doubletree Hotel in Tucson with an evening dessert reception at the Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix. Our special guest for this event is Amy Walter, Editor of The Hotline. Arizona List is excited to share Amy Walter’s perspective on the 2010 election and the current status of women in politics with our members. Her expertise provides an engaging, compelling presentation that keeps audiences riveted. Look for invitations in the mail in February.

Just the Facts

Continuing the section we premiered last month, this month we are focusing on the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade 1973 Supreme Court decision on January 22. According to the Center for Disease Control:

• There are 62 million women in the US of childbearing age (15-44 years old)
• By the age of 25, ½ of all women in the US will have experienced at least one pregnancy
• 85% of women will have given birth once by the age of 44
• 35% of women will have at least one abortion by the age of 45*

Last year in Arizona we saw the passage of HB 2564, the anti-abortion omnibus bill. Our Arizona List endorsed candidates were on the front lines in defending against this restrictive legislation. In honor of the anniversary of Roe v. Wade help us continue our work recruiting and supporting candidates who will stand up to further attempts to restrict a woman’s right to safe, accessible, affordable health care by making a contribution to Arizona List.

*http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss5713a1.htm?s_cid=ss5713a1_e

Effective Messaging for Political Campaigns

Getting the right message to the right voters at the right time wins elections. Find your voice to communicate your message to the voters in a way that will make a difference in any campaign. Whether you are a candidate, volunteering for a candidate, or perfecting a campaign for your favorite cause the right message leads to success.

This is a Date Change!

Now: Saturday, March 13

Arizona List presents a unique one day workshop

Open to members only

with

Lisa Grove

of Grove Insight

Lisa Grove has been the lead strategist and pollster for political candidates, nonprofit organizations, corporations and labor unions for over 20 years. She has a reputation for providing rock-solid research, unique insight (hence the company name), and successful messaging, communications and outreach plans. She is known for fretting the details while never losing sight of the big picture. She has conducted much polling in Arizona and offers an in depth view of what matters to Arizona voters and the language they understand from candidates.  And she almost always wins!

A political veteran with a deep personal commitment to electing pro-choice Democratic women to office, Lisa Grove–Founder and Principal at Grove Insight is pleased to offer Arizona List a full-day, in-depth workshop on strategic and effective message development. Among other things, Lisa will discuss:

• Developing an authentic, values-based and personal message frame;
• Translating your resume into effective message points;
• Employing contrast with your opponent;
• Identifying and avoiding what is not a message;
• Unique message challenges and opportunities for women candidates;
• Understanding the basics of research and the role it plays in message development;
• Silencing the internal “whispers” that plague women candidates.

Wyndham Phoenix

50 E. Adams Street

Saturday, March 13, 2010

This is a date change!

9:00 AM to 4:30 (Lunch on your own)

Tuition Fee: $50

Must be a current member of Arizona List to register

Space will be limited in this workshop and we expect it will fill up quickly. Reserve your space early!

RSVP to

info@arizonalist.org

or 520-327-0520

Arizona List sends you our best wishes for a peaceful and happy holiday season. We are grateful for your support this year. Thanks to you, we elected three women to Arizona city councils, provided key fundraising training to our potential 2010 candidates and built our war chest to record financial and membership levels!

Our state is in crisis right now with an ever growing budget problem to solve and reproductive rights and education under extreme attack. We are appalled at the lack of leadership in the Republican dominated legislature! Your continued support in 2010 will help elect our women candidates who can be the transformational leaders to guide our state to a brighter future.

So enjoy your holidays but get ready to change the face of Arizona politics in 2010!

Statewide Endorsements Announced

We are excited to announce our early endorsement of two outstanding women who will be making a difference in the 2010 elections.

FELECIA ROTELLINI is a veteran prosecutor and consumer advocate with over 23 years of experience in private and public law who has earned a reputation as a fair and fierce financial watchdog and criminal prosecutor. Felecia promises, “I am honored to receive the endorsement of such a well-regarded organization as Arizona List…As Attorney General, I will be a voice not only for women in our state, but for all Arizonans, and will make Arizona safer for children, seniors and families.” There is additional information and a donation form on her web page.

PENNY KOTTERMAN is a lifelong teacher with a new vision for public education in Arizona setting high standards and high expectations for our educational system. Penny envisions an education system that returns our schools to their rightful place at the center of our communities. Penny told us, “I am proud of the Arizona List endorsement for my 2010 candidacy for Superintendent of Public Instruction…I know that I can make a difference for Arizona’s children and the Arizona List endorsement will make that possible.” There is additional information and a link to her web page here.

Arizona List is making these endorsements now to encourage our members to make contributions to these exciting women before the end of the financial reporting period on December 31. So open your checkbooks and check out the links above to help these women right now.

Welcome Mallory Hutchison

Arizona List has expanded our team with the addition of Mallory Hutchison, our new Phoenix Outreach Director. Mallory comes to Arizona List from the Arizona Democratic Party and is an experienced campaigner who will bring her knowledge and expertise from legislative races to support Arizona List in the Phoenix area. Pam Grissom, Chairwoman of Arizona List, said, “Mallory will be a key player in reaching our goal of 1,000 members by November of 2010 and raising our profile in Maricopa County. We are excited to provide a full time staff person in Phoenix to add to our services.”

Mallory will be focusing on expanding the Leadership Council and Arizona List’s overall presence in Phoenix. She told us, “I’m thrilled to help further develop such a fantastic organization! Arizona List is well placed to play an absolutely critical role in winning vital seats this election cycle. With reproductive justice under the most extreme attack in decades and the state suffering the most drastic, destructive cuts in history, there is no mission more crucial than building Arizona List’s resources for 2010.”

Save the Date

Tucson – Hot Toddies, Hot Topic, Hot Candidates

Phoenix – Exclusive Leadership Council Event

Help Arizona List welcome Barbara Lee to Arizona women’s politics! Join us on Sunday February 7 at the home of Lucia Howard for an exclusive afternoon with one of the most influential women in politics. Barbara Lee is a powerhouse philanthropist and a leader in the effort to promote women’s political leadership. Meet Barbara and be inspired by how she has used her fortune, her zeal, and her web of political connections to help elect women candidates all over the country.

This event is open to members who renew or join our Leadership Council. The Leadership Council is a select group of donors who make significant gifts over and above their membership dues. This financial support plays the major role in providing the technical strategy, scouting, and mentoring for our endorsed candidates. For additional details or to RSVP email info@ArizonaList.org.

Arizona List Night at Borderlands Theater

We are partnering with Borderlands Theater for an Arizona List night to see the award winning play Between Pancho Villa and a Naked Woman. This witty and incisive comedy from one of Mexico’s leading women playwrights, Sabina Berman, brandishes humor as a tool of critique and reflection on gender roles and feminist issues in contemporary Mexican society. Save the date Friday, February 26 at Zuzi’s Theater, 738 N. 5^th Avenue. We will send additional details after the first of the year.

Annual Tucson Luncheon and Phoenix Dessert Reception

Join us on Saturday, March 27 at the Doubletree Hotel Tucson at Reid Park for the Sixth Annual Luncheon and in Phoenix for a dessert reception at the Wrigley Mansion. Look for more details after the first of the year.

Arizona List is excited to share Amy Walter’s perspective on the 2010 election and the current status of women in politics with our members at the Sixth Annual Luncheon this year. Named one of the top 50 journalists by Washingtonian magazine, Amy Walter has made a name for herself as one of the best political journalists covering Washington today. As Editor-in-Chief of The Hotline, Washington’s premier daily briefing, she provides a fresh voice on the political scene. Her expertise provides an engaging, compelling presentation that keeps audiences riveted.

Just The Facts…

Welcome to a new section in our newsletters. Arizona List reminds us all why we continue to do the work we do. There is a myth that women have achieved equality and that organizations devoted solely to developing women leaders are no longer necessary. We know better and every month we will cite some facts, stories or quotes with “just the facts” about the importance of our efforts.

• 17% of the Arizona Legislature are Democratic women and not all pro-choice

• Women make up 24% of state legislators across the nation—up from 20% fifteen years ago. That is a .26% climb per year. (“Women in Elective Office 2008,” Center for American Women and Politics, Eagleton Institute, Rutgers University, http://cawp.rutgers.edu. )

• In the U.S., women make approximately 78 cents for every dollar a man makes. Arizona is one of the nine states that ranks above the national average with women making 83 cents for every dollar a man makes. (The Census Bureau, http://www.census.gov/prod/2009pubs/acsbr08-3.pdf)

Your support now will be one step to move us forward toward the parity we know will make Arizona a better place for all of us in the future. Make a holiday gift to Arizona List in honor of a woman you would like to recognize for her contributions to our advancement and tell us her story at info@ArizonaList.org. We could share it in this section in future newsletters.

RSVP to info@ArizonaList.org.

We need for you to stand with us now more than ever.

We know you believe in our mission. You helped us elect great women in the past who are in the legislature today, fighting to save education and reproductive rights. It’s not too late to renew your 2009 membership. Your membership will be good for a full year from the date you renew.

Renew today and help us continue to train and support progressive women for the important 2010 election. By renewing your membership, you can help elect more pro-choice women who can reverse the severe limits on reproductive health passed by the extremely conservative legislature and the Republican Governor this year.

Please help us meet our goal of 1,000 members by 2010. One thousand members means we can give our candidates the full support they need to help win their elections in 2010.

Arizona List is the only Super PAC dedicated to electing pro-choice Democratic women in Arizona. Stay a part of our movement!

Please join us online, call us with a credit card number, or send a check to PO Box 42294, Tucson, AZ 85733.

P.S. We can’t afford to lose even one member who cares about a brighter future for Arizona. Please renew today!

Arizona List Reaches Record 640 Members

With a very successful event at the home of Monica and Attorney General Terry Goddard, Arizona List has reached 640 members, a new record for our organization! Arizona List has set a goal of reaching 1,000 members by November 2010 and we are well on our way.

On the Move in Phoenix

Governor Rose Mofford, Attorney General Terry Goddard and Carolyn Warner rallied the gathered guests last Sunday, inspiring them to take action to ensure a Democratic 2010 in Arizona. Former State Representative and LD10 House candidate Jackie Thrasher thanked everyone on behalf of the 30 Democratic women Arizona List has helped elect to 38 offices statewide. A special thank you to My Florist Café for providing the delicious refreshments. Arizona List is also very grateful to Monica and Terry Goddard who opened their home for the afternoon. Attorney General Goddard is a big supporter of Arizona List and we wish him success in his campaign to be our next Governor!

Mixed Election Results Inspire New Commitment from Arizona List Members

Congratulations to Karin Uhlich on her victory last Tuesday! She held off her opponent by less than 200 votes to win re-election to her Ward 3 City Council post. Karin said “I welcome my new term in office with a sense of urgency and optimism…I will remain inclusive and will work tirelessly, as I always have, on improving the accountability and responsiveness of our local government.”

Nina Trasoff was narrowly defeated by her well-funded Republican opponent in an election season that showed a decided anti-incumbent feeling nationwide. Arizona List thanks Nina and commends her valuable contributions to Tucson’s women and families during her tenure. We will miss Nina and wish her the best on her next adventure. We can’t wait to hear what it is!

In Phoenix, Dana Kennedy is applauded as a hero for the amazing campaign she ran against a well-established and well-funded incumbent and still won 44% of the vote. Dana said, “Together, we did something amazing over these past five months… We were outspent by $288,000 to $60,000…We did ourselves proud!” Dana serves as a role model for women who take that big step to become a candidate.

Arizona List Is Proud of Our 2009 Election Record

We helped elect two brand new women to city councils, Rosanna Gabaldon in Sahuarita and Sharon Wolcott in Surprise as well as supported Karin Uhlich in her victory in Tucson. Thanks in part to our efforts this year, the Republicans were only able to take one seat out of the three up for election in Tucson despite spending an extraordinary amount of money to do it. The Republican incumbent in Phoenix had to spend another large sum of money to defend his seat against a challenge from a well prepared Arizona List candidate.

Thank you to all our Arizona List members who helped support Arizona List, these candidates, and their campaigns this year!

Women’s Health Care Under Attack

Arizona List is furious at the attacks on women’s health care. Our right to privacy in our important life decisions and choices is being traded away not only here in Arizona but also at the federal level. The most, consistent, eloquent and vocal opposition to these attacks are our Democratic women representatives.

This gives us all the more reasons to continue our fight to elect powerful pro-choice Democratic women. Many of the women fighting for choice on the national level began their careers in state office. We will continue to be a strong voice for women’s rights here in Arizona. Thank you for your continued support of our efforts. You can make an additional donation to help elect more pro-choice Democratic women in Arizona here.

Cocktails for Change

Want an energy boost from the outstanding young people who are getting involved in Arizona politics? Join the young professionals of Arizona List on Wednesday, November 18, 5:30 to 7:00 at the home of Lauren Kuby, 109 E. Loma Vista Dr., Tempe, for Cocktails for Change. RSVP to info@arizonalist.org or 520-327-0520.

Save the Date

Arizona List welcomes Amy Walters to Tucson on March 27 for the Annual Luncheon at the Doubletree Inn on Alvernon. We will also bring her to Phoenix for an evening cocktail reception that same day. Watch our newsletter for further details.

Tell a Friend

Thank you for your 2009 renewal! We have a good start on start on our goal of 1,000 members by November of 2010. Please reach out to two friends and encourage them to join. Use the link below to send each one a copy of this newsletter and let them know about the work Arizona List is doing.

Help Arizona List be a power house in 2010!