The Incredible Shrinking Republican Woman
Seems like a no-brainer to me, especially given what you see on display at nearly every Republican event/press conference/news show. Lot’s of old white guys. Where are the Republican women?
Of course, there are fewer Republicans than Democrats of either gender in the two houses. But even on a percentage basis, Republicans suffer a gender gap. Twenty-two percent of House Democrats are women, but only 9.5 percent of House Republicans are. In the Senate, nearly 23 percent of the Democrats are women, but only 10 percent of the Republicans are.
Granted, women from both parties have a long way to go. That said, it does appear that one party is moving in the wrong direction (ya think?) and it just might end up costing them more votes.
But the imbalance seems to be getting worse. While the Republicans had Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin on their presidential ticket in 2008, Democratic women far outnumbered Republican women as general-election candidates for the House in November. There were 96 Democratic women on the ballot — but only 37 Republican women.
In 2006, 70 percent of the women competing in major party primaries were Democrats, according to Laurel Elder, an associate political science professor and gender expert at Hartwick College in New York. And, she says, only five Republican women have chaired congressional committees since 1995. Democratic women currently hold four chairmanships in the Senate and three more in the House — plus the speaker’s gavel, in the hands of Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). In addition, Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) chairs the Joint Economic Committee.
Read the entire article. My favorite excuse for Republican women not running…
While Palin provided a high-profile role model for Republican women thinking of running for office, her experience was a double-edged sword. Lawmakers say the rough treatment Palin received showcased the nastiness of modern campaigns and underscored the notion that women are susceptible to the charge that they’ve been picked to run because they’re a good demographic fit — and not because they’re the most qualified.
Never mind that Sarah Palin wasn’t remotely qualified or that she was only chosen because she was a woman. Keep acting as if Hillary Clinton and all the Republican nastiness thrown her way never existed. By all means, keep pretending… until 2010, and beyond.
Truth is, Republicans are losing everyone. Their female problems are just one of many, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they succeed on driving Snowe and Collins out by the end of the year. Eventually there comes a time to stop blaming everyone else for leaving you and look in a mirror.
Tags: Republican Party
Fast forward to the Republican National Convention.
Hey Baby. I’m sorry. You know I love you. I just get so mad sometimes. If you didn’t make me so mad you know how much happier we’d be. Now stop that crying and come over here and let’s pretend this never happened.”
Bill to Hillary:
Heu Baby. I’m sorry. You know I love you. I cheated on you. Not just once, but a lot of times with Monica. I’m going to a press conference to deny it. Now stop that crying and come over here and let’s pretend this never happened.”
Newsome:
Heu Baby. I’m sorry. I cheated on you. Not just once, but a lot of times with men. And once while you were recovering from your delivery of our child. I’m going to a press conference to confirm that I’m gay because I’m being blackmailed. Now stop that crying and come over here and let’s pretend this never happened. I’ll write a book later.”
Spitzer:
Heu Baby. I’m sorry. You know I love you. I cheated on you. Not just once, but a lot of times with whores. I’m going to a press conference. Now stop that crying and come over here and let’s pretend this never happened.”
Edwards:
Heu Baby. I’m sorry. You know I love you. I cheated on you. Not just once, but a lot of times with Rielle. I’m going to a press conference to deny it, but it’s really true. A gossip magazine caught me. Now stop that crying and come over here and let’s pretend this never happened.”
LOL!
One of the GOP’s remaining battered wives chimes in with teh Clinton. Priceless!
If I want to read the huffington post I will read the huffington post.
Very nice, Miss AO!
Now do that for:
Newt Gingrich
David Vitter
John McCain
Rudy Guiliani
did tommy boy just hint that this site was as good as “huff post”? a rare compliment from the lunatic right. kudos DL peeps
With Nancy Pelosi as Speaker we all lose.
Perhaps the first Woman Governor , Ruth Ann Minner is the example to follow?
A real gem of a leader.
yeah. Bring back Tom Delay. That’s what the country is clamoring for.
Hold On–Please bring me up to speed–what happened at the RNC?
I do think generalized misogyny keeps women from participating in public life. Who wants to have their looks, their family life and lifestyle choices analyzed in such a public manner? Having women in politics does attract more women because they can see how those women coped.
The Republicans’ problem has more to do with the policies they support than the generalized misogyny of our culture. It’s not just abortion either, it’s other programs for a common good. Women still are expected to work more (they do a greater share of housework and childcare) and make less money.
You gals just have to get a thicker skin.
True enough, Jason – Republican women would be wise to look toward Madeline Albright and Janet Reno rather that Sarah Palin.
The problem for Republican women is the conflicting messages sent from their party – family values and staying home to raise the kids is deeply rooted in the party’s platform. So… how do R women attain political power without betraying the tenets of Republican ideology?
This is what happens when dogma rules.
I maybe should have added something about UI not worrying her pretty little head over it and letting the men folk take care of things in order to sell the fact that it was intended to be humor?
Ah… but sometimes there’s truth in humor.