KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Women candidates from Kansas and Missouri gathered Thursday at a Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus event in support of female power and personality in politics.
Gov. Laura Kelly, the keynote speaker, highlighted how she kept her femininity while running for office. She spoke of the advice she got on her campaign — how men told her that women should appear tough and strong while running for office.
“I’m sure of this one piece of advice: Don’t try to be something you’re not,” Kelly said. “In order to convince others you can do a certain job, you’ve got to show them that who you really are is exactly how you will do the job.”
Kelly said women possess traits that make them valuable in offi ce — traits like being good listeners, collaborative, creative problem solvers and able to juggle multiple tasks all at once.
“You see, I believe the traits we as women come by naturally are exactly the traits that make for effective executive leaders,” Kelly said.
Kelly is one of 12 women governors, eight of whom are Democrats. Kelly said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the women governors were in “constant touch.” She said the group of women Democratic governors are close — seeking advice from each other, celebrating each other’s wins and supporting each other in difficult times. This was showcased at the Democratic National Convention, when a video of the eight women went viral on TikTok.
“While we’re really proud that there are 12 female governors, the last time I checked, there are 50 states,” Kelly said. “So do the math. We’ve got some work to do. I believe we will prevail. I am so energized by the next generations of women coming after mine.”
Rep. Mari-Lynn Poskin, a Democrat from Leawood, said that women have to prove more to themselves before they run for office. When Poskin was asked to run — after she’d worked in higher education for 20 years, raised seven children, and held a membership in Mensa — she responded that she should get her law degree before running. After a few more asks, she was convinced to run.
