My phone has blown up this week. Republican women and Utah politicians are asking themselves- what does “empowering women” mean? We all know what is doesn’t look like- but we don’t seem to agree on what it DOES look like.
For Utah Republicans, statistical facts show our leadership is not a true reflection of our membership. The question that is not being discussed in the current dumpster fire - is why and how to change it. We hear a lot of talk- but big, beautiful advertising aside- statistics show the “Year of the Women” didn’t go well for Republican women in Utah. It’s embarrassingly bad.
As a Republican Woman - I have been a active member, officer, donor, candidate, and elected official. I have some experience in the realm.
Fact: My biggest donors, advocates, supporters and MENTORS have been men, not exclusively. However, this is the reality of Utah politics- there are more men who do this game. (Yes -game is the noun)
For women - Over and over again the advice is - don’t run as a women. Run as “the best candidate”
I find this advice frustrating. Because it’s really hard to fix what we can not talk about.
Being a women has absolutely shaped my political views and opinions AND makes me the best candidate. It takes a skilled campaign consultant to help women articulate what, how and why their life experiences qualify them for elected office- For Republican women in Utah, these consultants are harder to find. There are extremely few who have successfully helped women run- and win.
Real Women Run- are not Republican strategists. And this difference matters.
Why? In all the MANY times the Utah political environment has made me question my party affiliation (or affliction, as FB suggests) It is this core platform value that has kept me Red: following the traditional road of wife and mother has not made me less of a contributing member of society- it made me more. It broadens my perspective and strengthens my resolve to stay in politics and work for a better future for my children. I’m offended by the term “mommy brain” and I love men. I married one and birthed two more. I want all the best things for them too.
Being the primary care giver, motivated me to shape my career carefully to allow for my family to be my priority. My husband and I work closely together to keep a good balance. We have made these decisions together and as a team. After 28 years - he is still my greatest love, my strongest ally, my best debate opponent - and definitely my biggest donor.
Our two oldest children- two daughters, are return missionaries and graduating from college this spring, the oldest from law school.
As women, we are living lives of empowerment, in the best time and place in history of the world for women.
Is it perfect? No. Is Utah behind in the National statistics? Clearly yes.
But that’s why Republican women need to be at the policy creating table - we know what we need - and given the opportunity can articulate it for ourselves.
Original source can be found here.
