New Hampshire’s Female Senate President Reveals Secrets to Success

March 24, 2009

by Kathy Groob – Women Control the Majority – Representing 54% of the Members of the Senate

Under the leadership of Senator Sylvia Larsen, New Hampshire broke a national record with the elections of November 2008. The New Hampshire State Senate is the first state legislative body in the country’s history with a female majority, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Female ranks in the 24-member chamber grew from 10 to 13 of the 24.  In addition, the New Hampshire House of Representatives has a female Speaker of the House, Terie Norelli.

“We worked hard to recruit good candidates,” said Senate President Sylvia Larsen. “We looked for good women already serving at the local level, on school boards and for those involved in their communities.  One candidate we identified had created the first hospice program in her city of Nashua.”

In addition to a heavy recruitment effort, Senator Larsen and her colleagues provided financial support and assistance to their candidates.  A sense that the public often sees female candidates as more trustworthy led Senator Larsen to create a political action committee titled Trust New Hampshire Women PAC.  “Through the efforts of our PAC, women are now understanding that they can help other women with their support,” said Senator Larsen.

“Women face a number of obstacles to running and service in public office; sometimes balancing home life and work is difficult,” said Senator Larsen.  “Men seem to have more self confidence that they can become elected and generally have more knowledge about the political process.  We have worked hard to overcome those obstacles.”

“Most of the people aren’t even aware that women hold the majority in the New Hampshire Senate,” said Senator Larsen.  “I hope that they will recognize us more for what we accomplish rather then who we are.”

The question is always asked, if there were more women serving in elected positions, would it make a difference in how our government operates?  Senator Larsen believes that the atmosphere has become more cooperative and that there is more of a sense of consensus building with women in the majority.  “Our members are able to set goals and work together as a group.  They’re not so focused on themselves as individuals; they set priorities as a group and work as a team,” said Larsen.

As with all good initiatives, strong leadership is generally behind it.  Senator Sylvia Larsen is that leader for women in New Hampshire.  After 13 years serving in the Senate, she holds a rank that very few women have achieved.  She’s being strongly urged to run for an open Congressional seat in New Hampshire, but is staying focused on the job at hand.  “We’re in a tough economy and I will remain focused on the job at hand,” said the Senator.

To contact the Senate, please write or call:

New Hampshire Senate

Statehouse, Room 302

107 North Main Street

Concord, New Hampshire 03301-4951

(603) 271-2111 (telephone)

New Hampshire’s success was featured on NBC Nightly News – to watch the segment, click here:




 

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