I was reading Teacherken's diary about Amanda Carpenter's epiphany. It prompted me to write this comment
yes words words words. And downticket we have Cathy McMorris Rodgers -the point woman, the go-to woman -the face of women in the Republican party still in support of Trump. In an interview in March she said-
But before considering power or ambition or influence, McMorris Rodgers wants women to consider possibility. Because, she says, "I think we’re just at the beginning of women really making history when it comes to serving in politics."
yep she’s soooo right. But it won’t be a Republican woman!
In googling Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ name for the zillionth time, I’ve come across a couple of articles about her importance and leadership in the Republican party. This one is priceless. Included is the video. By the way one of the fun highlights is the shots of some of her memorabilia — wonderful pictures of her and Dick Cheney.
And there we are smack dab at the heart of the problem.
Of the 12,000-plus people who have served in Congress over the years, only 2% have been women. Startling numbers to reflect on during Women's History Month. For ChairwomanCathy McMorris Rodgers, the most senior ranking Republican woman in Congress, this is a problem. And it's one that can and should be solved. Through mentorship, through leading by example, and in some cases, through legislation that gives women the time and flexibility to thrive at work. Tucked in the hideaway of her office in the U.S. Capitol, she tells us, "I make it a priority to tap other women on the shoulder and encourage them. Be the mentor. We need more mentors, and we need women to step up and believe in themselves, too."
(all emphasis is mine)
and another great quote
Nothing is handed to you, especially in this political environment. Whether you’re male or female. It’s not like you’re going to get a lot of favors. I would encourage them to step up. To work hard, persevere."
Well plenty was handed to her. With the help of many Republican men she has been able to have a nice job in elected office from the tender age of 24, after being appointed and then elected to fill the position of 7th legislative district representative in Washington state. A loyal conservative, she was state House minority leader for a year and stepped down from that position to run for Congress in 2004. George, “term limits”, Nethercutt tagged her as the candidate. Mentored by Newt Gingrich, she became part of Tom Delay’s whip team. She was tagged by Richard Pombo as the chair of the NEPA hearings as a freshman congressperson. She has supported the male leadership of the party and been the single woman among them. She has been diligent and loyal and a true believer...and continues to be.
Her prepared statement regarding the Trump video was another stand-out moment
"I have said all along that I absolutely disagree with some of Donald Trump's statements -- especially the video released on Friday," McMorris Rodgers said in the statement. "I will be voting for Mr. Trump because I believe that we must defeat Hillary Clinton who has a record of deliberately misleading the American people. She lacks transparency and accountability."
Hillary Clinton, the woman that will make history, the woman who has mentored other women, the woman who has worked hard and definitely persevered is the one we must defeat — we must elect the very essence of everything anti-woman, McMorris Rodgers tells us.
But she has said-
...when asked about what she wants to say to young women who identify as conservative, but worry that the Republican party doesn't hear them or prioritize them, she simply says, "What I’m about and what my colleagues are about as Republicans is ensuring that every person in this country — no matter who they are, no matter where they come from — has the opportunity for a better life. And to make sure that they have the freedom and the opportunity to do that. I want to empower people. I want to empower individuals and their families and their communities to be trusted to make the best decisions. I get very concerned when so many decisions are being made here in Washington, D.C. with a top-down, government-knows-best approach, so the Republicans are about unleashing individuals to get out there and see what they can do and be a part of making history."
Ideology above all else-even if it means supporting the unquestionable worst. And going along to get along.
When I think of Democratic women, I think of strong outspoken women like Nancy Pelosi, Sheila Jackson Lee, and Tammy Duckworth.
If McMorris Rodgers is their leading woman-and she is - then she is a big part of the problem. This a problem that won’t be solved by Republicans any time soon...the epiphanies, when...and if they arrive are a little bit late.
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Tuesday, Oct 25, 2016 · 10:15:21 PM +00:00 · peagreen
UPDATE: Given yet another opportunity today to reject Trump, McMorris Rodgers told KEPR TV in Pasco, WA she "stands by her support of Trump".
...she is more focused on the work ahead for Congress. "It has been a strange election cycle. The clarity I have is that no matter who's elected President, the house, the senate the legislative branch is going to have to our jobs, we're going to have to be an effective check and balance on the administration," says McMorris Rodgers.
Tonight is the final debate between Joe Pakootas and McMorris Rodgers
5th Congressional Debate and Meet and Greet in Walla Walla on Tuesday, October 25th.
4pm- Meet and Greet with Joe at Courtyard Marriott Bistro
6pm- Debate in Courtyard Marriott Ballroom