'Year of the Republican Woman' Sets Politico Spinning
From Tea Party activists to “mama grizzlies,” the number of female conservative candidates in this year's election is unprecedented. This surge in the number of right-leaning ladies has not only caught the Democratic Party's attention. Several media outlets have jumped on board to lend support to the female democratic candidates who are in danger of losing their seats.
Politico dedicated roughly 1300 words to the subject of female candidates in this year's election in an Oct. 12 article, but it could only spare about 174 words on the conservative candidates. The article could easily double as a campaign literature touting the great accomplishments of Democrat women and the ground that would be lost if they are removed from office.
Politico wasted no time professing that “The ousting of a wide swath of Democratic women Nov. 2 would chip away at a generation of female politicians inspired by the 1992 election, which saw a surge of Democratic women inspired to break up the boys' club of Congress …” Such a strong assertion speaks to the degree of pressure Democrats are feeling.
Politico reported, “Nearly a quarter of the 56 female Democrats in the House are considered vulnerable.” How will Democrats combating such vulnerability? Politico lent a hand by highlighting their accomplishments and stating, “Each of the female senators on the chopping block have been history makers: California's Barbara Boxer as the first chairwoman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, Arkansas's Blanche Lincoln as the first chairwoman of the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee and Washington's Patty Murray as a prominent member of Senate Democratic leadership. Alaska's Lisa Murkowski — a Republican now running as an independent — was the first woman elected to the Senate from her state.” The accomplishments of once-Republican Lisa Murkowski is the only mention of achievements made by a woman outside of the Democratic Party.
This is par for the course. At best the accomplishments of conservative women have been belittled or completely ignored by the media. At worst, they're subjected to disgusting vitriol, portrayed as unintelligent or are the target of sexual jokes.
But increased attacks on conservative women in this election could be directly related to the vulnerability of the female democratic figurehead: Nancy Pelosi. Politico stated “[T]he ultimate casualty for Democratic women would be the ousting of Nancy Pelosi from the speaker's chair if Republicans win the House.” Pelosi is credited with “[R]ecruiting Democratic women on the campaign trail” and “creating a girls' club to counteract the old boys' network that's long dominated congressional politics.” One of Pelosi's disciple's Rep. Jackie Speier told Politico, “I think the record speaks for itself ... She has really placed women in positions of leadership.” Another devout Pelosi follower, Rep. Loretta Sanchez, said “Don't doubt for a minute that the reason women have more voices in Congress is because we were able to get
It wasn't until the final paragraphs of this three-page article that Politico admitted, “Republicans say they'll have their own generation of female leaders to tout,” and quoted conservative Rep. Michele Bachmann. “I think it's good for the party because good voices and new fresh perspectives are coming in,” Bachmann said. “These women are coming in, rising on their own merits, and they exude great strength and leadership. A lot of the men are really excited to see strong women candidates coming forward.”
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