Women’s History Week was first observed in March of 1980 when Jimmy Carter was President. This annual observation was a week for most of that decade until Congress changed it to a month in 1987. This special recognition is to commemorate or celebrate the tremendous role of women in American History; the struggles and the successes.

The theme for the 2020 celebration of the National Women’s History Month is “Valiant Women of the Vote” in recognition of the many efforts to win women the right to vote. Their efforts resulted in the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which Congress passed in June 1919 and was ratified in August 1920.

Today, within weeks of a full century later, American women are very visible in a different role in American History; that of public service in elective office. Former LT Governor Rebecca Kleefisch is well known and while Sparta Mayor Kristen Gust is less known, both are energetic, enthusiastic, and well respected conservative leaders.

Citizens of western Wisconsin should recognize the names of four women that have demonstrated their conservative values and their leadership excellence while serving in Wisconsin’s Legislature. State Senator Kathy Bernier (R-23rd) has been in the Legislature for ten years; the first 8 in the Assembly. Representative Nancy VanderMeer (R-70th) is completing her sixth year in the Assembly. Former State Senator Sheila Harsdorf (R-10th) left the Senate when she was named to be the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection by Governor Walker. She had previously served in the Assembly. The fourth name, Representative Gae Magnafici (R-28th) may not be as well-known as she is just now completing her first term in the Assembly. All have done an excellent job of representing all of their constituents well while still maintaining their conservative values.

There is another woman in western Wisconsin whose name is gaining familiarity as she aspires to become Wisconsin’s 3rd District Congresswoman. Jessi Ebben is a Public Relations professional from Eau Claire that is travelling the length and width of the 3rd District to share her story and to listen to the needs and wants of the citizens. Jessi is a UW-Eau Claire graduate with Public Relations experience with two small cities in Minnesota and now a private medical organization in Wisconsin. In the gap between college and her first PR job, she worked on an organic crop farm and as a long-term substitute teacher. Jessi is the daughter of career public school teachers and has relatives scattered about the 3rd District.

Jessi Ebben has good conservative values to include strict support for the First and Second Amendments and Right to Life issues. Jessi is a “people person” that can relate to people and she knows how to listen. She has an impressive and growing list of people that have endorsed her to include elected leaders, Veterans, educators, and other community leaders. In her travels Jessi has met with the Republican Party faithful, with various community groups, with elected public leaders, and with media representatives.

Jessi Ebben knows it is past time for our current left-leaning liberal Congressman to be replaced after 24 years of inactivity. She will be only the second woman to challenge Ron Kind at the ballot box and the first one in twenty years. She has the enthusiasm, energy, and experience as well as the conservative credentials to beat Ron Kind and the ability to actively represent all the people of the 3rd District when she gets to Washington.

As the campaign season progresses and someone mentions Jessi Ebben, you can say that you have heard that name. Better yet, be the person that tells someone about Jessi Ebben for Congress! As we celebrate Women’s History Month a century after the 19th Amendment was ratified and 40 years after President Carter recognized Women’s History Week, let us work together to send a conservative woman to Congress to represent Wisconsin’s 3rd District!