Panel takes questions, demystifies running for office

Excellent questions from our audience inspired real talk from a panel of experienced women campaigners that we brought together in Bozeman Jan. 17.

From left: Panelists Rep. Laurie Bishop of Livingston, former Rep. Kathleen Williams of Bozeman, and Rep. Emma Kerr-Carpenter of Billings taking questions from our audience in Bozeman Jan. 17

Panelists talked about owning their authentic leadership while campaigning and serving. They shared stories about what they wish they'd known before they ran, and what went into their decisions to run for office the first time.

And who could forget their stories of memorable people who answered their door knocks while campaigning: One felon who thought he couldn't vote (he could), one Republican (who ended up voting for our Democrat), and one gentleman wearing only a towel.

We had great turnout for this panel. A number of new women candidates were able to attend, as we timed this event to coincide with the party's candidate training in Bozeman that weekend.

Many thanks to our panelists for being part of this event! And thank YOU for supporting our work to connect new women candidates with women legislators who have been there and done that.