Campaign Objects
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Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives
About this object
Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to Congress, used this sticker for her second House campaign in 1940.
In 1916, Jeannette Rankin became the first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. To commemorate the centennial of her election, the Office of the House Historian conducted
oral histories with former women Members, staff, and family. In each interview, Congresswomen discuss the objects they created to promote their name, such as buttons, magnets, pamphlets, and posters. This exhibit of campaign materials, all found in the
House Collection, showcases the stories behind the slogans, colors, and symbols employed by candidates in their quest for office. Read more stories about campaign ephemera in our blog:
Whereas: Stories from the People's House.
"Dine with the Byrons"
The Honorable Beverly Barton Butcher Byron discusses the materials she used in her congressional campaigns, including a promotional pamphlet with Byron family recipes. The “Dine with the Byrons” campaign tradition started when her husband, Goodloe Byron, ran for the Maryland state house in the 1960s.
The Honorable Beverly Barton Butcher Byron, U.S. Representative of Maryland
Transcript (PDF)
"The Best for the First"
The Honorable Eva M. Clayton recalls how she created a slogan for her 1992 special election.
The Honorable Eva M. Clayton, U.S. Representative of North Carolina
Transcript (PDF)
Campaign Literature
The Honorable Nancy Lee Johnson discusses designing campaign literature while keeping costs low, and which motifs were effective for her race.
The Honorable Nancy Lee Johnson, U.S. Representative of Connecticut
Transcript (PDF)
Campaign Slogans
The Honorable Susan Molinari was experienced in creating campaign slogans—she created one for her father when he served in the House. Here she discusses her own campaign slogan, “A New Generation of Leadership.”
The Honorable Susan Molinari, U.S. Representative of New York
Transcript (PDF)
"Connie"
The Honorable Constance A. Morella describes the personal element of her campaign buttons.
The Honorable Constance A. Morella, U.S. Representative of Maryland
Transcript (PDF)
Staying Grounded
Using “Sue” on her campaign buttons was more than an easy way for voters to remember Congresswoman Sue Myrick’s name. She used it as a promise and a reminder to stay grounded.
The Honorable Sue Myrick, U.S. Representative of North Carolina
Transcript (PDF)
Claudine for Congress
When it came to campaign buttons, Congresswoman Schneider wanted the emphasis on her first name. After her unsuccessful bid for Congress, voters of the district sported “Next Time, Claudine” bumper stickers. For her second campaign, she used a slogan that already had a ring to it.
The Honorable Claudine Schneider, U.S. Representative of Rhode Island
Transcript (PDF)
"She Wins, We Win," and the FBI
Congresswoman Schroeder wanted to accomplish several things with her campaign slogan, including communicating her stance on humanitarian rights and clearly stating her gender. Unexpectedly, it also prompted FBI surveillance of her 1972 campaign.
The Honorable Patricia Scott Schroeder, U.S. Representative of Colorado
Transcript (PDF)
Beverly Barton Butcher Byron Handbill
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Congresswoman Byron printed campaign pamphlets with photos of her family and some of their favorite recipes. Congresswoman Byron recalls how people asked for copies of the recipes years later.
Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives, Gift of The Honorable Beverly Barton Butcher Byron
About this object
"A Few of Our Favorite Recipes"
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Take a look inside Congresswoman Byron’s recipe pamphlet for culinary inspiration!
Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives, Gift of The Honorable Beverly Barton Butcher Byron
About this object
Eva M. Clayton Lapel Pin
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Representative Clayton’s slogan, “The Best for the First,” appeared on buttons like this one, as well as t-shirts and cars.
Nancy Lee Johnson Lapel Pin
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Congresswoman Johnson continued to use these colors and the star motif throughout her reelections campaigns.
Susan Molinari Lapel Pin
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Susan Molinari’s slogan, “A New Generation of Leadership,” connected her to her father, Representative Guy Molinari, and also emphasized the advantages of a new generation entering politics.
Constance A. Morella Lapel Pin
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Personal connection drove Congresswoman Morella to choose campaign object designs. Instead of displaying her name with generic font, she wanted to highlight her personality by replicating her signature on her campaign buttons.
Sue Myrick Lapel Pin
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“I was Sue before I got elected. If I’m elected, I’ll be Sue in office, and I’ll be Sue when I leave.” In her interview, Congresswoman Myrick explains that printing “Sue” on her campaign buttons was a reminder of why she sought political office.
Claudine Schneider Lapel Pin
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After her unsuccessful run for Congress, “Next Time Claudine” bumper stickers appeared on cars. Congresswoman Schneider decided to use a similar slogan for her second run, which she won.
Claudine Schneider Lapel Pin
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Name recognition is key as a new politician. But Congresswoman Schneider insisted her campaign buttons emphasized her first name, like this one.
Patricia Scott Schroeder Lapel Pin
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With help from her students, Congresswoman Schroeder created this button which clearly stated she was a woman, showed her face, and communicated her stance on humanitarian issues.