Women Candidates

As a multipartisan organization that focuses on electing women to political office, the National Women’s Political Caucus of San Diego County applauds Barry Horstman on his fine article (Aug. 24) showcasing local women candidates. An important issue to consider in electing these women is that women political leaders tend to support and create legislation beneficial to families, children and the environment. In a review of the voting records of all congresspersons, as compiled by the American Public Health Assn. from the “Congressional Quarterly,” it was determined that women representatives supported nine bills directly related to the well-being of families with an overall average of 82% as contrasted with 58.8% for their male counterparts.

The voting record of each of the four local congressmen falls far below that of the 58.8% male average, thereby reflecting their lack of support for family-related legislation: Rep. Ron Packard (0%), Rep. Duncan Hunter (11%), Rep. Randall (Duke) Cunningham (22%), and Rep. Bill Lowery (22%). All of the 28 women representatives have voting records that are exceedingly more supportive--with percentages ranging from 44% to 100%, with the exception of Rep. Barbara F. Vucanovich of Nevada (22%). With our current national need to support children, families and all living beings, we must elect women who have a greater likelihood than men of creating and supporting such legislation. We should not vote for representatives who turn their backs on our families and children.

ANNIE HOIBERG, President, National Women’s Political Caucus of San Diego County