Political Environment:

Do you find the political arena friendly to, or hostile to, women when it comes to debate?

Somewhat hostile

When you have strong political opinions, do you share them openly and assertively, or are you afraid to do so? Why? Openly and firmly. I have the courage of my convictions.

Have you ever been the victim of political bullying? Yes, on Twitter and Facebook, as well as on Pro-Choice Lobby Day 2012. Ted’s Harvey’s staff quite rude, did not want us to get a word in edgewise. Chris Holbert’s staff person openly hostile, stomped off when I said, “Ken Buck.”

Was the perpetrator male or female (or unknown/anonymous)FB and Twitter: overwhelmingly male. Harvey’s and Holbert’s obnoxious staff: female.

Do you ever hold back your political opinions due to perceived intimidation by men? Ha. NO.

Do you see the atmosphere in the political arena improving for women’s equal participation, or getting worse? H’mm. I think if we turn out in huge numbers, politicians will realize that we are indeed a force.

Running for Office:

Have you ever thought about running for office? Not really, but several friends have insisted that I should. Why or why not? I am an extremely honest person with an intense dislike of sleaze. I don’t like people who attempt to influence me against my stated beliefs. I don’t like fundraising. I will not kiss ass.

If so, are you as aggressive as the men you know with similar education in the level of office to which you aspire? I’m aggressive, but N/A



Expressing Your Political Opinions in Writing:

Do you blog? Yes Where? Daily Kos and ColoradoPols.com Why? Because I enjoy it. It gives me a forum to express my opinions.

Are there woman-friendly blogs and do you read them? Do you submit diaries to them? Why or why not? I consider DKos very woman-friendly. I read all kinds of blogs through Twitter.

Support:

Is your significant other supportive of your political interests? He hates politics. I decide how WE vote. He trusts me to make the best decisions for us.

Would your parents have approved of your political interests? Mmm. I wonder. I wish that my father was still alive to discuss issues with me. My mother has completely flipped her views since Daddy’s death. So, for the sake of peace, no discussion. She watches Fox 🙁

Your children? Yes.

Female peers? Some. The ones who were already Dem and the ones I flipped TO Dem.

Male peers? Some.

Do you have other women as mentors in politics? Sort of. Not as involved as I would like/could be due to time constraints.

Who has encouraged you the most to participate in the political arena, and was it effective? Planned Parenthood and NARAL. Yes.

Empowering Other Women:

Have you ever had a thoughtful discussion with male counterparts in the political arena about this gender issue? Yes.

Why or why not? Important to me

Have you ever mentored another woman in the political arena? Yes.