Overview

A Remarkable Venture: Ellen McCormack's Historic 1976 Presidential Campaign A Shared Vision renders the extraordinary account of the first national political effort by members of the Pro-Life Movement. Author Jane Gilroy, Ph.D., reveals the fascinating history behind Ellen McCormack's 1976 presidential primary campaign. Strikingly, while McCormack's accomplishments warrant recognition, those who usually proclaim groundbreaking feminist achievements have largely overlooked hers. As a result, too few know of the countless citizens across the country who undertook the formidable task of getting this unknown candidate's name placed on their states' ballots and of attaining matching funds. As former vice-chairman/secretary of Ellen McCormack's primary campaign committee, Jane Gilroy offers her unique perspective concerning this remarkable venture. A witness to the many opportunities and obstacles encountered during this pioneering effort, she clearly conveys the courage, grace, and humility with which Ellen McCormack fulfilled her role as candidate. Of special interest to those who wish to make their voices heard in the public square are the early attempts by Ellen McCormack and her committee to publicize the truth about abortion and help educate the nation. They spoke to church groups, lobbied federal legislators, and placed advertisements in Washington newspapers. When attempts to place educational pro-life commercials on national television were rejected as too controversial, the committee realized that only by running someone for political office would it be able to bring this vital educational material to the public. A Shared Vision describes the subsequent search for a candidate, the final selection, and McCormack's initial response to the invitation to run for the office of President of the United States. Equally impressive, the author captures the indomitable spirit of supporters from around the country whose perseverance resulted in having McCormack's name placed on the ballot in twenty states. These newcomers to the political scene met and overcame the kinds of exasperating obstructions confronting those who dare to challenge a system set in place by professional politicians. They knew the first order of business would be getting the candidate recognized as a serious contender. By chronicling the progress towards this goal, the author captures the growing excitement that emerged following the early successes. These political novices proved that Ellen McCormack was indeed a legitimate candidate recognized by the news media throughout the nation, a heartening achievement. Additionally, this comprehensive account makes known the story behind Ellen McCormack's becoming the first-and to date the only woman-to be awarded matching federal funds in any presidential primary campaign. It convincingly responds to the thorny questions that arose concerning the relationship between McCormack's pro-life campaign and the Catholic Church. Indeed, Prof. Gilroy meticulously documents her historic report with frequent references to primary source materials, including legal contracts, committee reports, letters, and archived newspaper articles to validate the independent nature of the campaign and to verify its grassroots support. Readers of A Shared Vision will discover how a small group of dedicated citizens were able to magnify their voices by using politics and the media in order to attain their goals. Many will be inspired to learn that seemingly insurmountable roadblocks were, with the help of God, overcome. This book will inevitably encourage others to pursue their own life-affirming enterprises and to promote the establishment of a culture willing to protect all human life.

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9781432755065

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