[media-credit name=’KATE BRENNER/Herald photo’ align=’alignnone’ width=’648′][/media-credit]People from throughout the state came to Madison Thursday night in tribute of Eleanor Roosevelt and to honor the achievements of the state's Democratic women.

"Tonight, we gather as democrats to honor the birthday of Eleanor Roosevelt, to celebrate how she represented, her social activism and, most importantly, advancing the role of women in politics and government," Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Joe Wineke said.

Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton was the master of ceremonies for the evening, and she read an excerpt from one of Roosevelt’s reflections, echoing the reverence women in the room had for Roosevelt’s political activism.

"There are very few women that have earned the kind of respect worldwide that Eleanor Roosevelt had, and, personally, she is one of my heroes — heroine," said Karen Erb, vice chair of the Kenosha Democratic Party.

Lawton proudly announced the creation of the first ever DPW Women’s Caucus, a group that will encourage and support female leaders in their local communities.

"Forty-three county organizers are already hard at work and will get everybody moving together and pulling in the same direction because [the women’s caucus] is so important," Lawton said. "But if we are going to have courageous leaders, … we have to give [women] opportunities to develop their leadership."

Middleton resident Nick Ladopoulos agreed with Lawton.

"It’s really important that women act in politics, stay in politics and change the world because, frankly, men are doing a very bad job of it," Ladopoulos said.

Kenosha County Board Supervisor Jennifer Jackson was a finalist for one of the five awards presented by Lawton Thursday evening. Jackson helps formulate the budget for her county and hasintroduced issues concerning ecology and urban sprawl that were never brought up before.

Jackson said she is trying hard to elect progressive candidates to office, but also said it will be a struggle.

"When you try to change stuff, you’re always gonna get the old guard who is very comfortable and [does] not to want to change," Jackson said. "So you are waking sleeping lions, and if you’re not prepared for that, then I suggest you go buy a pair of fake fingernails."

Heather Ullsvik, a supporter of the Democratic Party of Milwaukee, said she thought Thursday’s event was very sincere.

"What I really liked about this evening was how genuine it was. I really like the diversity of the people who were acknowledged," Ullsvik said. "I think it’s important to bring up why we care about being Democrats, because we are people who are hopeful and try to speak up for what we believe is right and speak up for people who can’t themselves."