I saw some statistics in the Fall 2009 Update put out by American University’s School of Public Affairs. In an article featuring Jennifer Lawless, who ran for the U.S. House seat in Rhode Island’s 2nd District, there was a stat “cheat sheet” at the end. I’ve heard these numbers in various places, but never gathered together. This is a call for change:

• The United States ranks 85th worldwide in the percentage of women serving in the national legislature.
• Eighty-three percent of the members of Congress are men
• Three-quarters of statewide elected officials and state legislators are men
• Men occupy the governor’s mansion in 44 states.
• In 89 of the nation’s 100 largest cities, men run city hall.