5 African-American woman on ballot make history

ATLANTA — A group of political candidates is making history. There are five African-American women on the ballot for state offices in November.
 
This is the first time that's ever happened in the state of Georgia.
 
But the women tell Channel 2's Dave Huddleston their qualifications make them stand out.
 
The female candidates told Huddleston the color of their skin is less important than what they bring to the table in terms of ability.  
 
All together there are five African-American women running for state offices: labor commissioner, school superintendent, secretary of state, lieutenant governor and insurance commissioner.
 
Robbin Shipp is running for labor commissioner.
 
"I am completely honored and humbled to be the Democratic Labor commissioner (nominee) and very excited to join this ticket," Shipp said.
 
Democrat Doreen Carter is running for secretary of state.  She says her ethnicity has nothing to do with her qualifications for the job.
 
"I hold several business degrees -- one in accounting, an MBA and a Masters in theology," Carter said.
 
The women say next month they will travel on a statewide bus tour to reach women who want to see a change in the all-male establishment.
 
"If you want  a change, the mindset  of a state or a  nation , all you have to do is elect a woman and that's what we intend to do -- elect five women and  have them represent the state of Georgia," Shipp said.
 
Channel 2 Action News reached out to the womens' challengers, who say they welcome the women as candidates based on their ability, not their gender or ethnicity, and they welcome a healthy and vigorous campaign.

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