Swann this morning cited a Women’s Fund of Rhode Island survey released last week, saying that while there’s a shortage of female office holders, “women care deeply about this state and the issues.” She pointed out that about 80 people attended yesterday’s event, including a range of female candidates for state and local office.

Lisa A. Pelosi, director of programs for Leadership Rhode Island, noted a front-page Journal article about the survey included six black-and-white photographs of women who have held statewide office in the past. “Is that how long it’s been since we’ve had women in higher office that we don’t even have color photos of them?” she asked.

The audience then heard from three current candidates: Jennifer Lawless, who is running in a Democratic primary in the 2nd Congressional District; state Sen. Elizabeth H. Roberts, who is running in a Democratic primary for lieutenant governor; and Sue Stenhouse, the Republican candidate for secretary of state.