Women Seeking Public Office Now Have An Innovative Resource

The Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics (the Institute), in conjunction with partners Blue Cross Blue Shield South Carolina (BCBSSC) and IT-oLogy, have announced a new plan geared toward encouraging and educating women to run for elected office in the Palmetto State.

For years, members of the Southeastern Institute have been traveling the state, offering day-long courses in the fundamentals of running a campaign, a release from the organization said. Now with backing from BCBSSC and the technological expertise offered by Columbia's cutting edge IT-oLogy, women all over South Carolina can register on-line and receive the same kind of training at a place and time of their convenience and at their own pace.

"Our goal is to take the intimidation factor off the plate for women who want to contribute in the public arena but aren't sure how to get started," Institute board member Christy Cox said. "We're here to say women are welcome and wanted at the leadership table here in the Palmetto State and we can provide some of the tools they need to get there."

With filing for state elected office just 68 days away, there is no time to waste.

"South Carolina women who up to now have wondered if this is their time now have easy access to the fundamentals of building and sustaining a winning campaign right at their fingertips from the comfort of their own homes," Institute board member Barbara Rackes said.

While the state is lead by its first female governor, Nikki Haley, the group said that according to national statistics, the state ranks last in the number of women holding elected office. Currently, 18 women in South Carolina are running for seats in the House of Representatives or in the Senate in 2012.

"2012 offers a once-in-a-20-year opportunity when reapportionment has adjusted many districts and there is a presidential election to turn out more voters," Institute president Mary Anne Jacobs said. "This last happened in 1992 when South Carolina elected 23 women to the state legislature — the largest number of women ever elected at one time in our state."

The Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics is a bipartisan group. The goal is to help identify female candidates and encourage them to run for office, through training and support.