Don’t think for a minute that I believe that only men are capable of this type of unethical behavior—far from it.

Women follow just like men follow.

The point is this: we don’t need followers! We need heavy lifters.

We need those who aren’t afraid to engage in intellectual battle and who have poise under fire. And we need people who can provide one or more of the following attributes:

• Inspiration and communication — these are the necessary skills for getting things done. If people cannot inspire, move ideas forward and get others to be on board, then they cannot lead.

• Ideas and solutions — people need problem-solving skills. They must have the ability to see the world differently. They must be able to see the whole picture, not just a linear view. And they need mental toughness. When others are jealous or petty enough to quash their idea rather than solve a problem for the entire state, these people have to step ahead of that roadblock and find a solution.

• Impatience — these people must be impatient enough to push for something they want done. Thinking and planning are useless skills if they don’t have the fire under them to jump into action.

Women and men are both capable of unethical behavior, but we hear about the men more often. Why? The only logical explanation is that there are more men in politics. I would take that one step farther and say that women aren’t necessarily as willing to play Fishbowl Predatory Politics. I base that statement on the following:

RESEARCH ON WOMEN AS LEADERS

In my own home state of Wisconsin, we have seen a steady decline in women Republicans elected to the state legislature. A direct correlation can be drawn with this sharp decline of Republican women in the state legislature to that of a more dictatorial, fall-in-line approach to leadership within the GOP ranks itself. The Wisconsin state house lost two-thirds of its women representation in GOP-held seats in the state house alone, during a six-year period, 2001 to 2007. The U.S. House of Representatives in Washington DC also has steadily lost women-held seats throughout the tenure of GOP majorities on the federal level.

Research has not been conducted as of this writing to determine the cause for this sharp decline in GOP seats held by women, but it was reported in March of 2008 by MSNBC that the Republican National Committee has conducted polling on the topic of gender and race. It would appear that the GOP is polling negative campaign material to determine how far negative they can go against a potential woman or minority candidate for president.11

If I were to ask if it were more likely, statistically, to find women in the role of governor or the United States Congress, you might be more likely to say Congress. Research reports, however, that both political parties have had a sharp decline in women serving in the United States Congress. Are women being squeezed out? Or are they opting against party machine politics? Even with small numbers, women can leave an indelible mark in politics, given the tools and the right approach. Waging intellectual battles and displaying poise under fire are skills that can be learned.

Women, if provided an opportunity to run in independent-leaning districts, tend to better connect to the needs of their constituency back home in their districts. “Voters give female governors significantly higher marks than their male counterparts on such qualities as honesty, cooperation and caring—as well as toughness,” reports an article in Newsweek in 2007. Newsweek’s descriptions of women governors showed that women governors were “pragmatic, post-partisan and focused on solving problems.” Further, it was reported that women as governors work especially well with high numbers of independent voters in their states.

This appears to be a welcome change from the partisan rancor that has described state and federal government, as mired in finger pointing and territorial posturing. Indeed the last 108th Congress in 2006 was described as the greatest “do nothing” Congress in American history. The Wisconsin legislature, too, has closed its 2008 session with a similar reputation…To continue reading this book, get your copy of “What Sex is a Republican” in paperback or Kindle edition on Amazon.

About the Author:

Terri McCormick is an author, policy expert, educator, and former state representative to the Wisconsin State Legislature. Today, she offers her expertise in public and government relations through McCormick Dawson CPG Ltd., a trusted consultancy of independent contractors.

Ms. McCormick serves as president and CEO of the company, drawing from more than two decades of professional experience, a strong educational foundation, a host of industry-related publications, and a multitude of accolades, awards and formal recognitions. Holding a Master of Arts in administrative leadership from Marian University, and a Bachelor of Science in political science and public administration from the University of Wisconsin, Ms. McCormick received both degrees with high honors.

“What Sex is a Republican?” is sold on Amazon in both the paperback edition as well as Kindle edition.  Read reviews on Amazon here.