POLITICAL UNKNOWN IS TALK OF THE TOWN
Female lawmakers from both parties reacted positively today to the surprise selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as John McCain’s running mate. Republican Assemblywoman Mimi Walters of Laguna Niguel told me today the election dynamics are changing, ”I think those Hillary Clinton supporters have been looking for a candidate that they can really connect with and I believe that she will be that candidate and I’m very excited.”
Republican Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia of Cathedral City was excited too saying, “She’s a young Governor, she’s already demonstrated leadership. She’s not part of the old guard, she’s not part of old Washington. She’s certainly had some personal challenges. I think she will appeal to working moms and soccer moms and career professionals all across the board.”
And Audra Strickland (R), Camarillo Assemblywoman was gushing with praise for Palin, saying “I’m very impressed with what I know about her, a working mom with five kids and doing the job that she does. Her focus on renewable energy and how to bring about the energy needs for the state of Alaska as well as the country.”
Even some Democrats had positive things to say. In my interview today with Lori Saldana (D) San Diego, the chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus said, “I think it will spark not only Hillary supporters, I think it will spark a lot of interest in the people who think that it’s important for women to have leadership positions in national politics.”
But no matter whether the Obama-Biden ticket or John McCain and Sarah Palin win in November, this will be a historic election. Saldana put it this way, “We think women will get involved, more women will pay attention to this election. I think it will bring forth conversations about family, about finances.” Then she added, “Sarah Palin, you know she has a child with disabilities. And here with the state budget we’re discussing cutbacks to exactly those kind of families, people trying to raise children with Downs, with Autism, it’s very interesting how these national conversations have a very direct impact on California conversations also.”
