FSN Packages Feed: First they marched - now they're running; the unprecedented number of women standing for office in the US

VO#1: The first transgender woman to be nominated for governor of Vermont. Christine Hallquist says her candidacy is a direct response to the election of Donald trump as president.

SOT: Christina Hallquist, Democratic candidate for Vermont Governor

"In the physics world we talk about for every action there's an opposite, opposing reaction. I think in the political world we're witnessing the same thing. Hopefully we're going to look back at 2018 and our children's children will say, that was the year we made history."

VO#2: Records have already been broken at every level.

For the first time, 13 women have been nominated for gubernatorial races in a single election year.

An unprecedented 198 women will be standing in elections for the House. And in the Senate, it's a record 19 women.

Meaning it's likely there'll be more women occupying the offices of these historic buildings next year.

VO#3: But analysts are managing expectations.

"We're not just breaking records; we're blowing through these records but we are also concisiu of the fact that we are seeing some women in some very tough races. And we hope that this s not going to be a one year phenomenon but that this sort of energy and engagement will sustain itself beyond what happens in november."

Debbie Walsh is director of The Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.

"Winning is just not about how many women more women there will be in november and i think there will be more women. But also to think about how has politics changed because these women are in the mix. There are structural changes with funding being allowed to use campaign money for childcare. These are real changes, whether these women win or don't win."

VO#4: Changes that are welcomed by women from both sides of the aisle. Maryland Republican Amie Hoeber is on the ballot for a seat in the House of representatives in November

SOT: Amie Hoeber, Republican House candidate for Maryland

"I think it's absolutely wonderful that we're getting more women that are willing to step up and put themselves out there and talk about what they feel. I don't agree with all of them and I'm sure all of the don't agree with me. But I think we all respect the role that we're all playing in making the equal opportunity more available to both genders."

VO#5: Emily's List, a national organisation which helps to elect Democratic women, says the Trump effect has been astonishing. Muthoni Wambu Kraal heads their recruitment and training program.

SOT: Muthoni Wambu Kraal, EMILY's List

"We spoke with about 900 women last election cycle…. Over 40,oo0 have reached out to emily's list at this point in the election cycle to say i am interested in running for office."

UPSOT Women's march

VO#6: In January 2017 women marched. In november 2018, they're running. In 2019, many more may be governing.

KF, Washington

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

First they marched - now they're running; the unprecedented number of women standing for office in the US