The goal of any endorsement is to elect candidates who support Madam for America's policy positions and increase visibility for Madam for America in the process. Madam for America also gains candidates’ recognition, improves connections with elected officials, advances Madam for America’s policy agenda, and builds respect for us as a powerful and committed activist organization.

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Authority

Madam for America members have the authority to endorse or make financial contributions to candidates at every level of government, local, state and federal.  

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Process

• Our Political Research Division will consult with our respective contacts in various locations and compile information about the candidate’s viability and support for key issues of concern to our members and community.

• Madam for America submits a detailed questionnaire to candidates for completion prior to an interview.

• Madam for America interviews challenger candidates on the phone or in person.

• If the candidate has been elected before, Madam for America researches the candidate’s voting record.

• Madam for America's Board  endorses candidates for office after reviewing staff research and recommendations.

• Once the endorsement decision is complete, Madam for America communicates to members and request that they support the candidate we have endorsed.
   

Endorsement Criteria

Endorsements of political candidates are done on the basis of several criteria, not by political party affiliation.  Criteria may include:

• issues that the candidate supports or opposes

• viability of the campaign, such as commitment to running, money raised and name recognition

• whether the current officeholder is seeking re-election

• specific assistance in achieving Madam for America’s legislative goals

• building an electoral presence for future campaigns

• leadership position of the incumbent, such as committee assignments.
   

Levels of Endorsement

Madam for America gives one of the following levels of support to each candidate:

• letter of endorsement

• financial contribution (direct or in-kind)

• members to volunteer on campaigns, phone and texting banks, writing postcards and distributing literature
   

Federal Endorsements

Madam for America endorses and contributes to candidates who meet the endorsement criteria.  The national Madam for America's Board of Trustees endorses and contributes to federal candidates running for U.S. House and Senate seats.  In addition, Madam for America's government relations staff attend fundraisers for the political parties, and tickets to those events are considered contributions.

 

If there are candidates you would like to suggest for endorsement, please e-mail endorsements@madampac.org.

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Local and State Endorsements

Madam for America's primary focus is to increase our political power on the local and state level.  We make endorsements in local and state races in the Midwest. Contact us to find out about endorsements in local and state races.