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Tuesday, May 03, 2016

Women matter in Maryland

Maryland is on the verge of a very disappointing precipice. After the November elections, the Maryland congressional delegation could have no female members — for the first time since 1973. This is especially troubling in Maryland not only because women make up about 60 percent of the electorate but also because of Maryland’s long history of supporting female elected officials.

As Marylanders, we pride ourselves on our diversity and inclusiveness. For more than four decades, we have understood the value of having women among those representing our state in Congress. That’s why it’s noteworthy that the Democrat congressional ticket has a glaringly obvious hole – no women. In other words, if Democrats were to sweep all of the congressional elections except the 1st District, as some pundits are predicting, our congressional delegation would be made up entirely of men. That is why we agree with Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.), who said, “What I want to know from my Democratic Party is . . ,. when will the voices of women . . . when will our voices be effective, legitimate equal leaders in a big-tent party?”

Maryland is filled with intelligent and successful women on both sides of the aisle, including Sen. Barbara Mikulski, a Democrat, and Marjorie Holt, who, 40 years ago, was the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Maryland. Holt paved the way for other Maryland women to get involved in public service, including Reps. Helen Bentley, Beverly Byron and Connie Morella, Ambassador Ellen Sauerbrey and our current female members of Congress, Edwards and Mikulski. All of these women paved the way for us. It is unbelievable that Maryland Democrats do not have even one of the many strong, capable, intelligent and thoughtful women in our state among their nominees. In stark contrast to Democrats, the Republican congressional ticket includes a woman running for Senate and a woman running for the House.

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7 comments:

Anonymous said...

What I want is someone who will support the will of the people. I don't care if you're male or female; black or white; gay or straight.

Anonymous said...

its not about race, gender, relgion ect

its about the best person for the job

Thankfully Babs is gone

Anonymous said...

How sexist. No mention of Stephanie. Sheila or Marilyn either.

Anonymous said...

I am a woman but I will not vote for someone just because of their gender, ethic background, or religion
You earn my vote by having a platform that reflects my beliefs. If the Democrats didn't do that - it's not my fault and they won't get my vote. I have a brain as well as breasts.

Anonymous said...

This is a good thing being most women in politics are liberal and really enjoy giving away taxpayers money freely. Also most are anti 2nd Amendment.

Anonymous said...

Based on the comments about family leave, women should not have jobs or work outside the home.

Anonymous said...

I think most of you are missing Edwards' point, and she is dead on. I am a woman who does not vote gender OR party unless all other things are equal. Edwards has called out the hypocrisy of my party for its lip service to women while doing nothing to truly advance their participation one the process. Hell, just look at Salisbury. The local Dems helped crucify two great Dem women, Campbell and Cohen, for their BOY Ireton. Two women with more brains in their pinkies than all their opponents combined. Liked by Dem and Repub voters alike, oh, but can't have that. Screw the Dems and their lip service.