Chicks to Pay Attention To

I am impressed by Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and talking head Tanya Acker. I think/ hope both of them can go far, and that someone is encouraging Tanya in her career - I am hesitant to say that I hope someone encourages her to run for Congress, because that mediocrity might rub off on her, but I hope her influence can extend beyond media talking head.

Barry from DC

Barry from Washington DC called in to this radio show to give a shout out to Governor Kaine of Virginia. President Obama mentions that both he and the Governor are lucky to be married to 'better women' - many would also argue that President Clinton belongs to this club too. While this statement could be seen as mere sucking up to wife and constituency, I think it may be worth taking this statement at face value. Why, then, did their wives not run (or not run first)? Are Mrs. Kaine and Mrs. Obama truly not interested in being public officials? Does the prospect of going through an election repel women more than men? Are accomplished and intelligent men less likely than accomplished and intelligent women less likely to agree to become political spouses? If any of these are true, wouldn't it take changing this to really get women into political office in large numbers?