Pa. Locks women out of race
As many as 10 women could end up as governors around the country after the voting is over in November. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports those 10 women are the ones who have good shots at reaching the highest posts in their states. Another six face longer odds.
In Pennsylvania, a woman isn’t even a long shot to get on the ballot for that post. Just look at the way in which Republicans reacted when Treasurer Barbara Hafer announced her candidacy – and withdrew it almost as quickly once the powers-that-be lined up against her.
Sure, Democrats and Republicans have nominated women as their candidates for lieutenant governor, but that’s not necessarily progress. Pennsylvania isn’t developing a depth of female political talent that other states are.
Look in the leadership ranks of the Legislature and statewide offices. With the exception of Hafer, women are nowhere to be seen. Their absence no doubt goes a long way toward explaining the schoolyard bully antics of the male-dominated Legislature, much to the detriment of the commonwealth.