I am a graduate of a liberal women’s college in Massachusetts (Mount Holyoke). My mother is a school teacher (part of the NEA), and many of my relatives have worked for a union. Sounds like a liberal, huh?
Guess what – I vote Republican. Why? I believe in personal responsibility and the power of hard work. I believe that a child of any race, religion, or gender can realize his/her dreams in this country, and that is worth protecting. I believe in the power of free markets, entrepreneurism, and small business. I believe in a strong national defense policy. I know that you don’t create jobs or wealth through taxes and massive bureaucracy. In short, I support Republican candidates because of fiscal issues, not social issues, and there are a lot of people like me.
I am deeply frustrated that both parties assume that women are narrow-minded and only vote on issues like abortion, and the environment (although, admittedly, I know plenty of women that fit the bill…). I care as much about the environment as the next person, but I also care about a candidate’s economic plan, and Creigh Deeds doesn’t have one. Am I supposed to overlook that minor, little issue because I’m a “girl?” Sorry, but I’ll be voting for Bob McDonnell and Barbara Comstock on November 3rd. I don’t agree with Bob and Barbara on every issue, but they have real plans for job growth and transportation in Virginia, and that matters to me.
The bottom line is that Republicans do not all look the same. We vary by age, race, religion, gender and social beliefs. We are just as worried about the environment, poverty, healthcare, and women as Democrats…we just don’t think that massive government expansion and feel good sound bites are the best solution to those problems.
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I vote Republican……and it IS for the social issues!! It’s for all the other reasons too….personal responsibility, low taxes, national securtiy……but if the Republican party (in which I am an office holder and a strong supporter) ceases to be pro-life and pro-family, I will cease to be a Republican. Articles like this will just drive people to other Conservative parties (and maybe that’s a good thing!)
Rebecca, I enjoyed this article. I am always amazed how women think the only difference between a republican and a democrat is their uterus. I support your viewpoints in this article and am glad you expressed this view. Sheila Stabile
I agree with this article. Both parties assume women don’t care about economic and foreign policy issues. Both parties are wrong. Many candidates believe they can secure the female voters by supporting pro-abortion and the environment. As a woman, I care more about our foreign policy decisions in the Middle East, than I do about abortion laws or greenhouse gas emissions. Weapons of Mass Destruction or my uterus; I think the choice is clear (at least for me). I want candidates to answer questions that I ask them, not provide me information that they think I want to hear because of my sex.
Rebecca,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article. You seem like an intelligent, articulate woman who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Perhaps you should consider running for office yourself. We could certainly use some strong new voices in the Republican Party. I am a middle aged woman who has voted Republican for much of my life because I believe in the principles the Republican Party has stood for. It is our free markets, our hard work, our personal responsibility and our ability to meet new challenges that has made the United States a leader in the world today. I find it shocking that there are so many Republicans like Angie who state unequivocally that they would leave the party rather than compromise on social issues such as abortion and family rights. I am certainly not a proponent of abortion in most cases however, I do believe under certain circumstances a woman should have that choice. I also question how you can be pro family if your definition of family is limited. There are many different kinds of families in our country today and it is my belief that if we are truly a society that accepts and encourages diversity, they should all have the same rights. Rebecca, please keep writing, we need voices like yours.
Rebecca,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article. You seem like an intelligent, articulate woman who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Perhaps you should consider running for office yourself. We could certainly use some strong new voices in the Republican Party. I am a middle aged woman who has voted Republican for much of my life because I believe in the principles the Republican Party has stood for. It is our free markets, our hard work, our personal responsibility and our ability to meet new challenges that has made the United States a leader in the world today. Looks like Virginia voting results prove you right. Rebecca, please keep writing, we need voices like yours.
Hi Rebecca,
Very articulately put. I have not been privy to the sentiment of how women are viewed to only vote on social issues. But I like my bubble. However, I completely agree on all counts on why you vote Republican. What I appreciate about Comstock and Bob is that they were good candidates and am confident that they will serve well in their offices. I do not “blindly” vote for any particular party. Comstock was very down-to-earth and specific in her answers to people’s questions. By doing this she showed that she has reflected much on these issues and that they are close to her heart. Further, she respects the voters enough to openly share her thought process and not “dumb down” her responses or resort to “politicanese.” Believe it or not, there are thinkers in America who vote with discernment. Keep writing, Rebecca!