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- iHaveNet.com: Politics
by Mary Kate Cary
By focusing on the right issues, the Republican Party could be the home of independent women voters
In every presidential election since 1964, more women have voted than men. In the last few presidential elections, voter turnout rates for women have equaled or exceeded voter rates for men in nearly every age group; in fact, according to the
Exit polls from Super Tuesday voting showed that one fifth of the those who voted in Ohio were working women; in Virginia, married women made up a third of the electorate. In Oklahoma, more than half of voters were female.
Many women consider themselves independent voters. In the 2010 elections, the
Here are five ideas for wooing independent women voters:
Denounce Rush Limbaugh's attack on the
Sandra Fluke testified in favor of mandating that religious institutions provide free contraception to employees, a position most of us on the right disagreed with, and was vilified on the air by Limbaugh for wanting to be "paid for having sex." The fallout is still continuing among his advertisers and listeners. It's not too late for the Republican leadership to say that calling a young woman a "slut" and a "prostitute" because she disagrees with a conservative position is more than just a poor choice of words, or inappropriate language, or "not the words I would have chosen." It insults women and it's wrong. Republicans need to make it clear that Limbaugh doesn't speak for the rest of us.
Get back to the economy.
Talking about "women's issues" used to mean talking about child care, education, and equal pay. These days, poll after poll shows that the top issues with female voters are the economy and jobs--not abortion, same-sex marriage, or contraception. More women than ever before are small business owners, and many are the breadwinners in their families. As the ones who are more likely to be paying the bills and making healthcare decisions, women are particularly concerned with the size, scope, and cost of government. Time to unveil a common-sense economic plan for reining in spending, simplifying the tax code, reducing the deficit, and reforming entitlements.
Don't wait until the
In 2008, the Republican convention was held over Labor Day weekend, and the vice presidential nominee had no time to get up to speed on the issues before Election Day. This year's convention will be nearly as late, convening the weekend before Labor Day. Why not jump-start the process? The Democrats already have Vice President Biden to help them campaign. Republicans might consider naming someone once the presidential nomination is locked up this spring. There are plenty of great possibilities, including some prominent women such as the chairman of the
Get Paul Ryan out front and center. House Budget Committee
Start looking presidential.
On a lighter note, some of the Republican candidates sport outfits I wouldn't let my husband wear out of the house. Women notice things like sweater vests and dad jeans, and not in a good way. (I'm concerned that one of them will appear in wide-wale corduroy pants with little elephants on them.) This isn't a casual Friday wing-ding at the office; it's a vote for our next commander in chief. Wearing a jacket and tie shows respect for the office. .
AMERICAN POLITICS
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How the GOP Can Woo Women Voters | Politics
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