Montana school leader rallies local Democrats

Women who have forged new paths in Montana politics for future generations were a cause for celebration Friday.

“Celebrating 100 Years of Women in Montana Politics” was the theme for the Montana Democratic Women’s Convention organized by the Flathead County Democratic Women.

One notable woman who has paved the way for American Indian women in Montana was keynote speaker Denise Juneau.

Juneau is the first American Indian woman elected to a statewide office in Montana. Superintendent for the Office of Public Instruction and a member of the Democratic Party, she was introduced to a standing ovation.

She encouraged women to seek political positions or provide support to Democratic candidates and legislators in order to uphold, and further, women’s issues such as equal pay and Title X family planning funding.

“Having people to support women’s issues in elected positions is very important. I believe in good government that’s why I ran for this office,” Juneau said. “We need our political leaders to speak up for those who cannot. It’s also important to thank those leaders who support your efforts and your issues. They need encouragement.”

Montana has a good representation of women politicians, Juneau said.

“Sixty percent of Democratic House members were women and about a quarter of the Democratic Senate members were women,” Juneau said.

She said that even though there are now more seats at the table for women, it is not the time to be complacent.

“Even when it seems like it’s not making a difference, or you feel like you’re outnumbered, or the lone voice speaking out, it’s important to know that someone is listening and they are happy that they are hearing your voice,” Juneau said.

Special guest Andrea Marcoccio also addressed the audience. Marcoccio is now the first female executive director of the Montana Democratic Party in the 28 years she has been alive.

“I’ve been waiting my whole life for this,” Marcoccio joked Friday night.

As a young woman in politics, Marcoccio has had to overcome gender and age stereotypes.

“I was asked by a reporter when I got hired and he thought being a woman is an advantage to running the Democratic Party,” Marcoccio said and noted that she was hired for her skills, not her gender. “But if that means I can connect with more than 50 percent of the population personally, hell, I’ll take it.”

She said women are making great strides women in Montana politics.

“In 1971, only two women were in Montana’s House and Senate, so we have come a long way — we still have work do — but I think Montana is making great strides in electing women to Congress,” Marcoccio said.

And Marcoccio wants more women in politics.

“I’m asking the women in this room step up and run for office whether municipal, regional, or statewide or federal,” Marcoccio said.

Marcoccio said it is important for people — male or female — to reflect on why they are Democrats.

“We all share values as Montanans that we want to stand up for equal rights, equal pay, the environment, clean air, clean water, organized labor — things that make up the Democratic party,” Marcoccio said.

A few notable women throughout Montana’s early history also made an appearance.

Various members of the Flathead County Democratic Women recalled the courage of women in politics such as Jeanette Rankin, Maureen Hayes Mansfield and Catharine Calk-McCarty through first-person narratives.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.