Female Cabinet
September 10th, 2010 by flanewsFlorida has never elected a woman governor or attorney general, but that could change in November. Four women are on the ballot for statewide office in Florida. As Whitney Ray tells us, since 1877 only six women have served on the Florida Cabinet.
Meet Florida’s female candidates for statewide office. There are mothers, lawyers, a retired Navy Commander and a former bank president. Democrat Alex Sink wants to be the state’s first female governor.
“We, by our very natures, are people who can keep a lot of balls in the air and solve problems,” said Sink.
Republican Pam Bondi is running to be the state’s first women Attorney General. Democrat candidate for CFO Loranne Ausley, likes the idea of serving with female Democrats, but her politics trump gender.
“I look forward to sitting in the cabinet room with Alex Sink,” said Sink.
Republican Jennifer Carroll is running for Lt. Governor. Carroll calls the female candidates trailblazers.
“This is an opportunity for females who want to be involved and engaged in the political process to see us and think, if we can do it, they too can do it,” said Carroll.
There have only been six women elected to the state cabinet since 1902 when the administrative body began meeting in this room in the old capitol. If women win the day in November, Florida’s glass ceiling would be shattered. Political scientist Carol Weissert says this could be the year.
“The public tends to trust women. They think they are less corrupt. They think they are more caring. They think they are more responsible,” said Weissert.
The only cabinet office women aren’t seeking: Commissioner of Agriculture; which means men will own the farm for at least four more years. Females make up more than half the electorate, but just less than 20 percent of elected offices. As a nation, the US is ranked 73rd for its low number of women holding office.
Posted in Cabinet, Elections, Politics, State News | 1 Comment »