Outrage Over Sexist Remarks Turns Into a Political Fund-Raising Tool

Outrage Over Sexist Remarks Turns Into a Political Fund-Raising Tool 
Amy Choznick, The New York Times

This article takes a really interesting look into Democrats' strategy of "cashing out" on Republicans so-called "war on women." Republican leaders have recently lashed back at their political foes, arguing that sexist attacks cut across party lines - noting the intense ridicule that Republican candidates like Sarah Palin have taken.

"They're exploiting women for their political gain and political playbook," said Brook Hougesen, a spokeswoman for the Republican National Senatorial Committee.

"I'm more than just a set of reproductive organs and I'd like someone to talk to me about how they'll help my pocketbook and keep my healthcare plan that I like, and Democrats don't have a good response to that," said Katie Packer Gage, deputy campaign manager for Mitt Romney in 2012 who recently started a consultancy to advise Republican candidates about outreach to women.

Regardless of political affiliation, the issue's surrounding women's rights and the respect with which our political hopefuls are/are not embracing for their women constituents is certainly an interesting topic to explore - and the effects of the topic will certainly be of importance as we look towards elections.

The turnout among female voters could sway the most significant races this year because, although they outnumber men, women do not vote in midterm elections in the same proportion as in presidential contess. In 2012, 51 percent of female voters chose Republicans, helping the party regain a majority in the House of Representatives. In 2012, women favored Democrats, with 55 percent voting to re-elect President Obama, compared with 44 percent for Mitt Romney.