With its endorsement of state Senator Katherine Clark in the Massachusetts Fifth Congressional District special election, the Boston Globe got it right.
The Globe rightfully points out that the five-candidate field is one of strong contenders with progressive records. I agree. But as they said: “Of them all, however, the one who has best articulated a strategy for navigating the bitterly divided House is state Senator Katherine Clark of Melrose, whose warmth and intelligence are complemented by a sharp understanding of the issues and a shrewd legislative game plan.”
In other words, Clark is both qualified and likeable – a critical combination for women’s electability. We know from nonpartisan research by the Barbara Lee Family Foundation – which has studied women’s races on both sides of the aisle for nearly two decades – that women candidates must be qualified to do the job and exude a less tangible likeability that resonates with voters. This duo of characteristics is a double bind that men do not face.
Katherine Clark has both traits in spades. Her authentic, down-to-earth style not only makes her an effective campaigner who genuinely connects with voters, but it makes her an effective legislator who brings people together to forge solutions.
Katherine Clark is a proven, qualified leader who has gotten results as a state and local elected official. She will do the same in Congress.
Adrienne Kimmell is Executive Director of the Barbara Lee Political Office. The Barbara Lee Political Office advances women’s equality in American politics by recruiting, electing, and supporting progressive, pro-choice, pro-equality women candidates. The organization’s founder, Barbara Lee, has publicly endorsed Katherine Clark for in the Massachusetts Fifth Congressional District race.
These concepts are not just limited to women. In order to win a contested election, both men and women candidates need to be both qualified and likeable.
And, unlike Emily’s List, just because a female candidate is qualified and likeable doesn’t mean that I will support her. Her views on the issues matter! So, even though Katherine Clark is qualified and likeable, that’s not enough for me to vote for her. I don’t like her position on wiretapping and surveillance.