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Event honors state women

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Also by Keegan Kyle:

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Recruiting isn't easy on campus (December 7, 2007)
Doyle set to sign off on ethics (February 2, 2007)
Volunteerism on the road (October 19, 2007)
Down and dirty on campus sanitation (October 11, 2007)

by Keegan Kyle

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Several female state leaders campaigning for this November's election honored three Wisconsin women Tuesday for their social activism at the Democratic Party of Wisconsin's annual Eleanor Roosevelt Tribute.

First lady Jessica Doyle was among those to congratulate Dorothy Lenard, Ingrid Ankerson and Jill Berke, who were called "women in Wisconsin who have displayed a commitment to Democratic causes and engagement in social activism."

"When one of us exceeds, all of us are proud," said Doyle, who added the honorees have "carried on the Eleanor Roosevelt legacy."

Lenard, who was unable to attend the event at Madison's Concourse Hotel, was honored for her continuing service to the La Crosse City Council. Ankerson works as a website designer, blogger and grassroots organizer for Fair Wisconsin, a non-partisan campaign opposing the proposed constitutional marriage amendment. Serving a number of elected and appointed positions, Berke was recognized for her grassroots efforts in the St. Croix area.

The first lady joked about her husband for a short time with the mostly female audience but soon touted the Democratic women up for election this fall, including Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk.

Falk, who is running for state attorney general against Republican candidate J.B. Van Hollen, called the award winners "rock stars," addressing her admiration for women in politics.

"What we do is so darn hard," Falk said. "And I couldn't do it if it wasn't for … all [women] standing by each other's shoulders."

U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., congratulated the honorees as well, saying they've proven "the power of one and how awesome it is."

Baldwin also echoed an earlier suggestion by Doyle about the upcoming election, calling it "the most important election of my lifetime."

Baldwin, who will be facing Republican Dave Magnum this November, confidently told the audience she believes the Democrats will take back the House of Representatives, force Bush to pull troops out of Iraq and continue their presence in Wisconsin by re-electing Gov. Jim Doyle.

Gov. Doyle's running mate Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton said she was proud of the honorees and that the Democratic Party of Wisconsin "continues to make a history book of outstanding women across Wisconsin."

Lawton also called for more female leadership.

"Until we have enough women in leadership positions … the issues that we understand won't … become an official part of a legitimate agenda," she said.

"We have a lot of work to do," Baldwin added.

The Eleanor Roosevelt Tribute has been held every year since 1999 to recognize Wisconsin women for Democratic roles in social activism and to pay tribute to the life of Eleanor Roosevelt, who helped promote women's involvement in politics and improve the lives of the underprivileged.