Conservative women are moving from behind the scenes in key operative positions to bonafide candidates for Congress, winning state primaries and setting sights on the November elections. Currently, there are 95 Republican women running for House seats — more than double that of the 2016 election cycle — and we should thank Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) for her record-breaking recruitment efforts.
Move Over, Boys
Elise Stefanik
Stefanik, 33, was installed by the good old boys in the GOP, as the House’s candidate recruitment agent; the first woman to hold the position. A rising star in the Republican Party, Stefanik exhibits an energy akin to then-candidate Trump of 2016, relentlessly pounding his message on the campaign trail. Her determination has paid off for women and conservatives.
Jesse Hunt, spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, is almost giddy in his assessment of Republican women in the fight:
“We’ve seen an intense level of interest from Republican women in running for Congress this cycle, and some of the strongest candidates we have running currently are females in competitive districts. It’s a testament to their backgrounds, their careers, and their ability to communicate the Republican message.”
The Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University released their latest data-packed analysis, and their numbers indicate a positive fallout from the #MeToo movement; proof that a surge of pearl-wearing, high-heeled, and über-fashionable bobbed hair-do set is on a roll. So far, 14 conservative gals are still in the running for the U.S. Senate and an impressive 81 for the House.
The Sisters are Doing It for Themselves
The Republicans vow to find the best candidate for the contest and are pinning hopes on financial boosts from organizations such as the Value in Electing Women PAC and Maggie’s List. For those of you who may not have heard of Maggie’s List, they were “created to raise awareness and funds to increase the number of conservative women elected to federal public office.” Named for a woman who secured her place in a man’s world, Margaret Chase Smith — the first woman to be elected in both Houses of Congress and placed into nomination for president by either major political party — Maggie set the standard on the Hill.
Missy Shorey is the national executive director of Maggie’s List and prioritizes quality over quantity:
“Does she have a path to victory? And does she have a background that will lend itself to victory as well? Those things have to be there. Then you encourage that woman, help them raise money and endorse them in a public way.”
The organization has identified 49 worthy women to endorse and back financially; you can peruse their red suit sporting cream of the crop selections by going to MaggiesList.org and select candidates 2018.
Standing for Right
As pundits and pollsters banter back and forth on the blue or red wave sweeping through the country in November, they may want to pay more attention to female conservative candidates who appeal to the higher educated suburban soccer mom; the demographic that may dictate the national agenda through the 2020 elections. And while one or two are running in protest of President Trump, there are many more willing to stand up for his leadership and policy decisions. As they should, or as Margaret Chase Smith wisely once said, “The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character.”
