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We endorse in primaries and general elections through screening committees, GKC/WPC Board and membership votes. We utilize the following considerations and procedures:
CONSIDERATIONS FOR GKC/WPC CANDIDATE
ENDORSEMENT & CONTRIBUTION
Previously endorsed incumbents running for re-election do not need to be screened for endorsement by the Greater Kansas City Women's Political Caucus. While screening of previously endorsed candidates is not mandatory, previously endorsed candidates whose voting records did not support Caucus issues may be screened.
(not listed in priority order)
Mission-related Factors
Pro-Choice
Support for other GKC/WPC positions
Voting record on all GKC/WPC issues (if previous office holder)
Female Candidate (if equally qualified, but male candidates also considered)
Current and paid member of GKC/WPC
Recruited by GKC/WPC
Campaign-related Factors
District demographics
Poll numbers
Experienced candidate (have they run or held office before?)
Potential financial support
Name identification
Training and Staff
Contributing Factors
Open seat
Who holds or held seat previously?
Friendly incumbent
Endorsement by other groups
Adopted by the GKCWPC Board of Directors 2.23.06
ENDORSEMENT CYCLE PROCEDURES:
STEPS TO ENDORSEMENT:
- The Executive Director obtains the list of all candidates who have filed by the required deadline.
- The MO & KS Political Chairs, in partnership with the Candidate Recruitment Chairs and PAGs (Political Action Group Chairs), decide in which races the WPC will participate.
- Pre-screening questionnaires are mailed by the Executive Director to every candidate in each of the chosen races. A mail-back deadline is given. NOTE: Previously endorsed friendly incumbents are not required to complete a questionnaire and therefore will not be mailed one unless their opponent is also previously endorsed by the GKCWPC.
- The Executive Director sends copies of returned questionnaires to the PAGs. The PAGs select the screening committees in accordance with the Screening Guidelines and serve as the committee Chairs. The PAGs contact the candidates to arrange personal interviews. If possible, all screenings take place in one or two sessions as determined by the screening committees.
- Screening committees conduct the candidate interviews and decide, by majority vote, on recommendations for endorsement. The PAGs present the committees' recommendations on each endorsement with a thorough explanation of how that decision was reached, both in writing and to a joint session of the PAC and (c)(4) Boards. This joint session is to be held within ten days or less prior to the membership meeting.
- Immediately following the joint session, the (c)(4) Board and PAC Board convene separately to discuss and vote on each recommendation for endorsement. The PAC Board also votes on financial contributions for those candidates it recommends.
- If the (c)(4)Board and PAC Board differ on a candidate endorsement recommendation the two Boards hold a joint session to discuss the reasons for their recommendations. The (c)(4) Board then takes another vote. If the initial decision of the (c)(4)Board is confirmed, the PAC Board takes another vote on the financial contribution.
- The (c)(4) Board then brings the recommendation to the membership meeting
- GKC/WPC members whose dues have been paid by the prescribed deadline vote on each candidate endorsement. This constitutes the final vote. If endorsement is different than the (c)(4) recommendation, then the PAC Board votes again on the financial contribution and notifies the Executive Director of the approved contribution.
- Candidates who are endorsed are notified by letter from the (c)(4) Board President or Executive Director. Candidates who do not receive an endorsement are sent a letter by the Executive Director or Board President. The PAC Treasurer sends the campaign contribution approved by the PAC Board.
Adopted by the GKCWPC Board of Directors 2/23/06
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