Women at the Table

I am not a political animal. That was until a year and a half ago. I am a writer with a passion for the written word. While I have had several books published, I was still searching for that illusive book that would satisfy my yearning to contribute.

A friend suggested that I write a book about women politicians. I turned my nose up. I voted but couldn’t care less about the political system after I pulled my lever. Besides, I didn’t know a politician. My friend twisted my arm and made my first appointment for me. Within ten minutes I was hooked.

Women politicians are a rare breed. They are passionate about their work, and their causes. While they work long hours, not one woman wakes up in the morning and decides to run for political office. They must be cajoled, and encouraged and encouraged. But once committed to running for elected office, a woman is determined and dedicated. She sets up a campaign committee and she and her supporters strategize and work long hours until finally elected.

For a woman, her work doesn’t stop with being elected. She has to earn her position on committees and especially within leadership positions. Vermont Secretary of State Deborah Markowitz says that