NFRW: Year of the Republican Woman

Sandy Adams won her Representative Seat in the 34th District of Florida. Adams is a member of the Atlantic RW branch of the NFRW. Congratulations Sandy Adams, this is your year.

The National Federation of Republican Women is calling this, the Year of Republican Women. The organization is "Celebrating Victory as Voters Take Back America!"

From the NFRW website:

Republican Women Make Historic Election Gains Across Nation
Republican women enjoyed widespread success in the general election and made a significant contribution to the historic federal and state gains made by the GOP. Both incumbents and newcomers were popular with voters, and several milestones were crossed.

It truely is the year of the Republican woman as evidenced by a 75,000 member increase in the NFRE. In a press release dated November 17, 2010, the NFRW stated:

Lynch attributes the NFRW's membership gains to many factors, including improved dissemination of information, expanded public relations and outreach efforts which have included national media exposure, increased usage of new media such as Facebook and Twitter, and collaboration with like-minded groups. Lynch says the elections also played a role. Republican women were energized by the Republican message and by the quality of Republican candidates, particularly the distinguished group of Republican women running at the federal and state levels.

Key Statistics from the Recent Election

Every incumbent Republican woman running for federal or statewide office won reelection Tuesday, with the exception of U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, whose race is still undecided.

According to the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), at least eight new Republican women won seats in the U.S. House, beating the previous record of seven Republican women newcomers in a single election. In addition, Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire won her race for the U.S. Senate. Two additional Republican women are still waiting for final calls on their close House races.

At the state level, three new Republican women were elected governor: Susana Martinez of New Mexico, Mary Fallin of Oklahoma and Nikki Haley of South Carolina. In addition, Jan Brewer won reelection as governor of Arizona, and at least a dozen Republican women were newly-elected to other statewide offices.

Republican women also made gains in state legislatures across the nation. The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that preliminary data shows Republican women gained more than 100 seats in state legislatures, from 529 in 2010 to 633 in 2011.

Founded in 1938, the NFRW has thousands of active members in local clubs across the nation and in several U.S. territories, making it one of the largest women’s political organizations in the country. The grassroots organization works to promote the principles and objectives of the Republican Party, elect Republican candidates, inform the public through political education and activity, and increase the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government.

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Linda Biamonte for New Jersey's 2nd

New Jersey's 2nd District is the largest in the entire state. It includes the entire Atlantic Coast, Cape May, Cumberland, County, Salem County, and parts of Gloucester, Burlington, and Camden Counties. All in all, it houses 82 municipalities. If New Jersey native Linda Biamonte gets her way, she'll be representing them all in Congress next year. As her website says, Biamonte wants to put "the 'represent' back in Representative."

Linda Biamonte grew up with her single mother in Ocean City, New Jersey, where she attended public schools and participated in a number of sports. She lettered in basketball and softball, and enjoyed surfing and skating. But she was also a good student, excelling in English and history, who could often be found in the library, doing research. According to her website, her upbringing helped her develop the values she'd like to bring to Congress,

"Because she is an only child raised by a single parent she learned independence and responsibility at a young age. Naturally, she came to appreciate teamwork, the value of a dollar and the closeness of community."

Biamonte, who is currently an Egg Harbor resident, is a strong supporter of our military. She has been a member of the Gathering of Eagles for four years, a group who works to "thwart unjust attacks against our Military" from groups such as Code Pink. The group is non-partisan and compromised of many smaller groups, including Band of Mothers and vets for Freedom. As a matter of fact, one of the main issues Biamonte is campaigning on is support of troops and veterans, including providing health care funding for soldiers who are deployed or injured in the line of duty, and ensuring that troop and veteran funding is never cut.

Biamonte is also a member of many other groups and causes; these include Operation Baghdad Pups, the ASPCA, Toys for Tots, Just Give, We Are a Republic and the NRA. As an NRA member, she supports Second Amendment rights, firearm ownership, and the right to bear arms, stating that "people kill people, not firearms," and "the lawless don't care about gun control laws, only the law abiding citizens care about laws." She's also pro-life and says there is no distinction between the born and unborn. She believes current abortion laws are "poorly constructed."

With a strong desire for self-improvement, Biamonte started out as a boardwalk waitress and went on to work in the food and beverage field, where she held a Union position, public relations, computers, and advertising media. She current serves as Vice President of Sales Americas at Civolution, an advertising technology firm. She put herself through school, advanced her education by retaining a Project Management IS/IT at Villanova, and considers herself, a self-made woman.

So what does Biamonte want to do for the business world? A true fiscal Conservative, she believes in putting "more money in the hands of investors and small businesses through investment tax cuts," cutting payroll taxes, and giving an investment tax cut to small businesses within the first year. Biamonte recognizes that small business owners are the backbone of the country and create the majority of the nation's jobs, and does not believe that creating more government jobs is the answer.

To read more about Linda Biamonte, vist her website here. The New Jersey primaries will be held on June 8.

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Dr. Deborah Honeycutt for Congress in Georgia's 13th

Dr. Deborah Travis Honeycutt calls herself an "independent Frederick Douglass Republican." She says she's running for Congress because she's "angry" at what our government is doing. "Congresspersons are supposed to be leaders, servant leaders, serving the people and leading them toward solutions... I do believe that anyone in leadership must exhibit honest, integrity at the highest levels. Otherwise, we need to allow them the opportunity to do something else," she says on her website. And if Honeycutt has her way, Congressman David Scott of Georgia's 13th Congressional District will be allowed "the opportunity to do something else." Here is a look at Honeycutt's life and where she stands on the important issues facing Georgia and the United States.

Dr. Deborah Honeycutt was born in Chicago, Illinois and attended the University of Illinois - Urbana, where she received her Bachelor's degree in Dance Education, Master's degree in Dance, and eventually attended the school's College of Medicine, where she became a doctor and laid the foundation for what would be a very extensive career in the medical profession.

She's worked as a faculty member at Atlanta Medical Center's Family Practice Residency Training Program and has also worked as an educator at Emory University's Family Practice Residency Training Program. She's worked as a family physician at Georgia Baptist; at her own private practice, Five Points Family Practice in Fairburn, Georgia; and Eagles Landing Family Practice in Hampton, Georgia.

In 2004, Dr. Honeycutt became the President of the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians and later served as Chairman of the Board of Directors. She's been appointed to the American Academy of Family Physicians' Commission on Education and served twice as the Minority Constituency Delegate and twice as the Georgia State Delegate to the American Academy of Family Physicians. In 2005, she was appointed Medical Director of Good Shepherd Clinic, a free clinic located in Morrow, Georgia and she worked in this position until her decision to run for Congress.

She has been instrumental in lobbying for better health care at both the state and federal level and is very involved with the community and health care-related activism. She often speaks on topics that often affect African Americans such as diabetes, obesity, and domestic violence, and has served on the board of the CareNet Pregnancy Resource Center of Atlanta, as well as the Board of Directors of the Georgia Partnership for Caring. Currently, she is a member of the Georgia Free Clinic Network Board of Directors and is co-chair of the Georgia Department of Community Health Minority Health Advisory Council.

With all of this experience in health care under her belt, Dr. Honeycutt strongly opposes nationwide, government sponsored health care, saying the issues failed in other countries, and "a government sponsored one size fits all solution won't fit anyone." Instead, she feels we should rely on "free markets and multi group efforts that allow government to do its part and citizens to do their part." She says that when she was working in her own private practice, she was not able to help the people who most needed help because of government restrictions in place that prevented her from doing so and feels people should be empowered to help themselves, not to be helpless.

Dr. Honeycutt is also a proponent of the Fair Tax system. From her website,

"I have examined alternatives and found the FairTax to offer the best hope of returning our tax system to our constitutional principles, providing both increased fairness and dramatic simplification, as well as positioning this country to continue to prosper in the increasingly competitive global marketplace of the 21st century. "

Even though she's currently campaigning, Honeycutt continues to work as a volunteer physicians at the Good Shepherd free clinic. She has also taken an active roll, becoming a voice for issues in her community, such as community values and public education. She attends school board meetings in Clayton County, as well as Clayton County Home Owners Association meetings, and regularly meets with elected officials.

Dr. Honeycutt is married to Dr. Andrew Honeycutt, a Distinguished Fellow of Business at Shorter College. They are members of the Word of Faith Family Cathedral in Austell, Georgia and reside in Fayetteville, Georgia.

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Delia Lopez Wants to Take Back the Country

Delia Lopez says she was watching a Republican debate during the last election cycle and was not very happy with what she saw. When one candidate suggested people follow the Constitution, the others laughed, and Lopez says it was at that moment she decided that, "We the people had to take our country back!" That's possibly why she is running for Congress in Oregon's 3rd Congressional District.

On her website, DLopezForCongress.com, she writes,

"The Constitution is supposed to be the law by which our country is to be governed! It was written to restrain the power of the government and to protect the rights of the people. Our freedoms as spelled out in the Constitution, were given to us by our Creator, and are not to be denied us by any Government. There is no way permitted under the constitution for our rights to be suspended!"

Lopez says she is a Republican because she believes the "strength of the nation lies with the individual and that each person's dignity, freedom, ability, and responsibility must be honored. She is pro-life, because she feels the Constitution guarantees the right to life for everyone. A mother of three, and grandmother of three, she is against federal control of education. She would also like to see the United States leave Iraq immediately, leaving the rebuilding of the country to its people.

In 1989, Lopez and her husband (who have been married for 26 years) began investing in real estate. She created and manged the budget for their project. Her familiarity with the topic could be one reason why Lopez has strong feelings about property rights and why it's one of her top issues. She believes many people try to simplify the pro-property right argument by saying those who fall in line behind it are simply anti-environment. Lopez says this is not the case.

From her website,

"When one has a proper respect for property rights, environmental concerns go away. In a society that respects the property of others, it is cause for legal action if someone pollutes your land, or the water coming across your property, or the air which floats above it. With a proper respect for private property, people can and should be allowed to do whatever they would like with their land - barring any restrictions they agreed to when they purchased the land - up until the point that their actions physically affect their neighbors."

Lopez also has strong feelings about border security. She wants to physically secure the borders as soon as possible and feels that amnesty simply rewards people who have broken laws. She wants to enforce Visa rules and end birthright citizenship. She also feels that illegal aliens should not be allowed welfare and that taxpayers should not be forced to pay for illegal immigrant use of schools, hospitals, roads, and social services. Lopez would also like to see "true" immigration reform passed. She says currently, the system is "incoherent and unfair."

To read more about Delia Lopez, visit her website at DLopezForCongress.com.

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Valerie Meyers: A Lifelong Republican for Georgia's 8th

Valerie Meyers describes herself as a "lifelong Republican." That's because she's always believed in limited government in our lives, as well Constitutional rule. She believes that current leadership and representatives are betraying the country's principles in the name of self-interest, and feels that the base of the GOP needs to reclaim the party. Above all, she feels it's important for citizens to be able to take advantage of their right to life and liberty as granted by the Constitution. From her website:

"Our personal liberties have gradually been eroded. The federal government has asserted that it has the authority to mine, collect, and store information on the personal matters of American citizens based on security or expediency, often in violation of our 4th Amendment guarantees against illegal search and seizure, and our 5th Amendment guarantees against self-incrimination.We can prosper and protect our national security without intruding into the personal lives of American citizens. I vow to fight on behalf of preserving our personal liberties."

Like many Republicans, Meyer is pro-life, pro-gun, and pro-free markets. She feels the country needs to return to its capitalistic roots to become prosperous again. Meyers feels this can be done by, "removing all government imposed barriers that impede or prevent business and industry from conducting business," including the corporate income tax. She also feels the 16th Amendment must be repealed and supports the proposed, much-talked-about Fair Tax system.

When it comes to education, she supports a parent's right to choose where and how their children are education. She attributes Georgia's 22% high school drop-out rate to federal government control and a malfunctioning statewide system. She is also in opposition to government-controlled health care, again feeling that an individual has the right to choose what kind of health care they receive and where they receive it.

She is an active member of the Georgia Republican Party and has served as vice chairman in her district, as well as serving as a delegate at the county, district and state conventions and as a precinct chairman. She has been campaigning and fundraising for GOP candidates for twenty years. In 2008, she served as the Houston County Coordinator and 8th Congressional District Coordinator for Congressman Ron Paul's presidential campaign. She still remains active in Campaign for Liberty, a movement that began after Congressman Paul's presidential run. She is considered one of many "Liberty Candidates" running for office across the country.

A true Southerner, Meyers grew up in Huntsville, Alabama and graduated from the University of South Alabama. She currently attends Mercer University in Atlanta, where she is working on her Master's Degree. She also works as a technical writer and information technology business analyst for Computer Services Corporation. Her work there involves product development for United States Air Force bases around the world.

Meyers and her children, Isabel and Zane live in Bonaire, Georgia. She attends the Warner Robbins Church of Christ and runs in her spare time. She has participated in several marathons and triathlons.

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Katherine Jenerette: A Gulf War Veteran for Congress

"The Sarah Palin of the South." That's what a liberal blog called Congressional candidate Katherine Jenerette, recently. Of course, it was meant to be an insult but conservatives in South Carolina's 1st district will more than likely see it as a compliment.

Jenerette is not your average politician. The United States Army veteran, former NCAA track and field star, Republican activist, and mother of four has done more at 39 than most people have in a lifetime and now she's ready to take on Washington D.C.. A Carolina political website describes her as having "Reagan principles" and she doesn't shy away from her conservative beliefs, no matter whose feelings might get hurt. She has been a vocal opponent to both Democrats and the Republicans who are currently residing in Congress. Last year, she told the Georgetown Times,

“The Democrats have a home team advantage now and Republicans need a congressman who can go toe-to-toe with them. We've had a Republican Congress for six years, and we can have more of the same or we can have someone in there that will make a difference. I am not afraid to say what needs to be said and push legislation for family and values, fiscal responsibility, national security and subjects like immigration and border control. Republicans have let liberals run their agenda. Republican values and principals on issues of life, health care, Social Security and marriage issues have been put on the side burner. The Republican members of Congress need to do a better job of getting out our messages and sticking to them.”

She believes the economy is the biggest issue facing our nation today and like any true Conservative, she knows the only way to fix it is through tax cuts. And as veteran who has served in the Middle East, she has strong feelings on the War on Terror. Jenerette believes the only way to stop terrorism on our soil is to stop it overseas first. In other words, "take the fight to their backyard." She is disgusted with politicians who are putting their own personal agenda above Americans safety and security and feels they should be held accountable. And while she takes a tough stance on illegal immigration, she has even stronger feelings about traditional families,

“Traditional families and faith are at the core and the foundation of our nation. Many of the issues from social security, health care, education options, pro-life and marriage issues are of critical importance to the future of this nation. We cannot ignore the fact that with the Baby Boom Generation moving into retirement many of us face the prospect of being ‘sandwiched’ between our teenagers and the needs of our parents. Whether we are talking about retirees and the cost of prescription drugs or sensible, non-bureaucratic approaches to education for our children, these monumental challenges for our government and society cannot be ignored for long."

So are you wondering what qualifies Jenerette for the job? Let's take a look at her background. She's a veteran of the U.S. Army and the Persian Gulf War Operation Desert Storm, and she currently serves as a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. Upon returning home from the Gulf War, she attended the University of South Carolina, Coastal Carolina Campus on a Cross Country and Track scholarship. She graduated with a degree in history and went on to receive her Master's degree from the University of South Carolina at Columbia. She is currently an Adjunct Professor of History at with Southeastern Community College.

Jenerette has been politically active for almost two decades, beginning with her work with the Horry County Republican Women's Club. She served as the Horry County Delegate to the South Carolina Republican State Convention in 1992 and hasn't looked back since. She worked as a campaign volunteer for various governors, including Arthur Ravenel, Jr. and Mark Sanford, Senator Elizabeth Dole, and President George W. Bush. She also served as a Field Representative for Congressman Henry E. Brown, Jr.. In 2004, she ran for State Senate District 28 and lost by less than 2,000 votes, nearly defeating Democratic Senator Dick Elliot who has been in office since 1962.

Katherine Jenerette currently lives in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with her husband Van Jenerette, and their four children, a son, Christian David, and three daughters, Benjamin Elizabeth, Drake Katherine, and Wilson Gabrielle. She is a member of the First Baptist Church in North Myrtle Beach and an associate member of the Huguenot Protestant Church of Charleston.

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One of the First Female Senators, Paula Hawkins, Dies at 82

Paula Hawkins, the first female to be elected to the United States Senate in her own right, died on Friday. She was 82 years old. Hawkins was also the first and only female elected to the Senate from Florida and according to the Orlando Sentinel, she fought hard to get through the "good ol' boys" club."

She was working as a Republican committeewoman when she decided to run for the Public Service Commission in 1972. She campaigned as a populist and a consumer advocate, and won a second term in 1976. In 1974 she ran unsuccessfully for the United States Senate -the seat was won by Jack Eckerd- and in 1978, Eckerd ran unsuccessfully for governor, with Hawkins under him as Lieutenant Governor on the Republican ticket. In 1980, she beat out Democrat Bill Gunter with 52% of the vote, finally earning herself a spot in the United States Senate. She served only one term.

"Senator Paula Hawkins broke the glass ceiling for women like me to be able to pursue public service at the highest levels. She blazed a trail by winning statewide office at a time when being an elected Republican woman wasn't very common in the Sunshine State, needless to say in the United States Senate," Florida State Senator and gubernatorial candidate Paula Dockery told the Orlando Sentinel.

While Senator Hawkins didn't enjoy being called a feminist, she considered herself a champion of children's and women's rights. She backed legislation that would help homemakers get jobs upon becoming widowed or divorced and wanted to equalize pension benefits for women by considering the years they spent raising children. She fought for tax breaks on child care expenses and to get day care for children of Senate employees. She also fought hard against drugs and child abuse, disclosing that she had been molested as a child, while speaking at the Third National Conference on Sexual Victimization. This led to her penning a book in 1986, Children at Risk, My Fight Against Child Abuse: A Personal Story and a Public Plea.

She was pro-life and opposed abortion-on-demand, as well as the Equal Rights Amendment. She also refused to join the Congressional Woman's Caucus because she thought women's issues were "family issues" and concerned more than just women. She as quoted as saying, ""I did not like the Equal Rights Amendment. I predicted that it would bring about the downfall of the father's responsibility to support the family."

Hawkins also served as the Vice President of Air Florida from 1979-1980 and director of the Rural Telephone Bank Board from 1972-1978. In 1988, she was named the director of Philip Crosby Associates, a consulting company started by Winter Park businessman and author, Philip B. Crosby. In 1997, she joined the board of Nu Skin Enterprises. Nu Skin Enterprises is a direct selling company that sells cosmetics, nutritional supplements and technology services.

Hawkins was born on January 24, 1927 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and grew up in Utah and Georgia. She was married to Gene Hawkins and they had three children, Genean, Kevin, and Kelly Ann. She attended Utah State University and was a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints.

It is reported that Hawkins died in her home in Winter Park, Florida, after complications from a fall. She had also recently suffered a stroke. Florida Governor Charlie Crist ordered all flags lowered to half-staff and Dean Cannon, Florida House Speaker-designate, held a moment of silence on Friday.

Lyn Bliss Elected VP of Southwest Ohio FRW

The Ohio Federation of Republican Women held their annual fall conference recently and officers for 2010 and 2011 were elected. Darke County Republican Women's Club member, Lyn Bliss, was elected Vice President of the Southwest District which includes Republican Women’s Clubs in Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Greene, Hamilton, Logan, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby, Warren and Darke counties.

Bliss has served in a number of roles at the Darke County Republican Women's Club, including corresponding secretary, recording secretary, card party committee member, nominating committee member, picnic committee member, publicity chairlady, membership book editor, and representative to the OFRW and representative to the National Federation of Republican Women. She is also a member of the Ohio Republican Party and Republican National Committee.

She has also served on a number of non-political boards. Bliss is a League of Women Voters Board of Directors member, Junior Vice President of VFW Auxiliary 7262, Board Member and Secretary of the Darke County Metropolitan Housing Authority and webmaster for the Darke County Republican Party as well as a member of the Eagle’s Auxiliary, Women of the Moose, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Greenville Area Women’s Connection, Core Committee for the Greenville Schools Levy, Darke County Historical Society (Garst Museum), Friends of the Greenville Library, Committee to Restore the Greenville Mausoleum, Citizens Against Carbon Sequestration, Senior Advocate Scholarship Fund, Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority Alumni, University of Iowa Alumni, University of Maryland Alumni, Wright Patterson Club and the Dayton Art Institute. She has served as a member on the following boards: Edison Community College Board of Trustees, the Darke County Republican Central and Executive Committees, Board of Directors for the Cancer Association of Darke County and was also the Political Education chair for the Ohio Federation of Republican Women.

Bliss is a former schoolteacher and a graduate of the University of Maryland and the University of Iowa. She and her husband, Al, make their home in Greenville.

Other officers elected include: President Jean Turner of Gibsonburg, Vice President Carol Salmon of Canfield, Treasurer Karen McTague of Oak Harbor, and Secretary Pet Rettig of Clyde. In addition to Bliss, the six district Vice Presidents are: Kathy Wise of Newark for Central District, Jewette Toney of Wintersville for East District, Donna Thatcher of Freemont for Northwest District, Edwina Wolcott of Warren for Northeast District, and Shawn Priest of Leesburg for South District.

Interview with Noelle Nikpour

Noelle Nikpour is a Republican Strategist and Consultant, who is often featured on television programs such as "Fox and Friends," "Red Eye," and "Good Day New York." We had a chance to ask the Arkansas native a few questions on everything from why the Republican Party is important to women's issues to why she thinks the GOP needs a makeover! Here's what she had to say:

Why did you decide to get involved with politics?
NN: I decided to get involved in politics because I wanted to make a difference and be a part of a greater good!

What do you think is the most important issue currently facing the country?
NN: The economy and its future is the most important issue at hand for this country. With unemployment at an all time high, foreclosures on the rise, and our dollar appearing weaker, we must address this and turn it around.

You say the GOP needs a new image - what do you think needs to be changed and how can it be accomplished?
NN: The GOP needs a new image by way of how we are viewed, especially by young adults and college Republicans. The Dems have done a great marketing job in order to capture these important groups. We need more young Republican role models that they can relate to and need to show more diversity in a "less sterile" environment.

How is the GOP important to women's issues and what can be done to help the party relate to women better?
NN: Be it a mom, a wife, a working woman, the GOP aligns with many women on such issues from anti abortion, lower taxes, and basic conservative values. As more moms and wives go into the work force to make ends meet, they begin to see the importance of why our party lobbies for less government and lower taxes and they can relate to it first hand!

Are there any women in politics (in or out of office) whom you admire?
NN: Sarah Palin is a woman to admire! Like her or not, she is the epitome of the modern day woman! She holds a job, is a mom, a wife, and takes care of herself. She wears many hats and must be Webster's definition of multitasking!

Would you ever run for office? If not, is there anyone you'd like to see run in the next few years?
NN: I would never seek to run for office due to the fact I'd rather be behind the scenes making it all work for a great man or woman who is willing to put it all on the line for public office. There are so many great candidates that would possibly consider a run for office and it will prove to be an exciting time for the GOP. With that said, I'd like to see a candidate that has strong experience in economics by way of education or experience! I mean, really, we need to see a proven "job history" on the next President we elect! I'm just sayin'...............

Big thanks to Noelle Nikpour for taking part in our interview! You can learn more about her at her website: Noelle Nikpour.

Sue Lynch to Lead the NFRW

The National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) has elected a new leader, but she's no stranger to politics or the GOP. Wisconsin's Sue Lynch currently serves as the First Vice President of the national grassroots political organization and just last month was unanimously elected to head the group. Lynch spoke with a La Crosse, Wisconsin news station (WXOW) about her new position, saying she would be moving to the Washington D.C. area. The move allow her to work closely with current Republicans in Congress and the Senate and enhance NFRW visibility. Her two year term will begin in January, 2010 - just in time to help the GOP take back Congress and the Senate.

In addition to her current positions as the group's First Vice President, Lynch also currently serves as Director of Region 1 (which includes Alaska, Hawaii, California, Oregon, and Washington), and as an adviser to both the NFRW Leadership Development Committee and the NFRW Special Events Committee. She has also served as second and third vice presidents and chairman of the Nominating Committee at the federal level. At the state level, she served as President of the Wisconsin FRW for four years and President of two local-area groups.

Lynch, a mother of two daughters, has been involved in Republican politics for over 30 years, having worked as chief of staff and office manager to three members of Congress and serving a number of gubernatorial and presidential campaigns. During the Reagan administration, she worked as the staff assistant to then Secretary of Agriculture John Block as well as holding other positions within the Department. For over twelve years, she taught campaign schools and did field work for campaigns for the Free Congress Foundation. She also lectured for the Krieble Institute.

In addition to her professional work, Lynch has been involved in a number of community activities. She served as president of the Franciscan Skemp Auxiliary-Mayo Health System, the state public policy chairman for the Partners of Wisconsin Hospital Association, she served the committee on Volunteer's Board Member for the American Hospital Association, and as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society. In 2007, she was named the Grassroots Volunteer of the Year for the Midwestern Division. She was also chosen as an outstanding volunteer for the West Salem Village People in 2007 for her work securing a building for a local Boys and Girls clubs. In 2006, she was chosen as one of the Most Influential Women of the Coulee Region. In 2001, she received the Caring for America Award for Community Service.

The NFRW is one of the largest and most influential women's political organizations in the United States. It recruits, trains, and elects candidates, advocates the GOP's philosophy and initiatives, and empowers women of all ages, ethnicity, and backgrounds in the political process. You can read more about the group here: History of the National Federation of Republican Women

Kelly Ayotte to Run for Senate?

Just two weeks ago, New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly Ayotte announced she was leaving office to explore running for a seat in the United States Senate, replacing Republican Senator Judd Gregg who is not planning to seek re-election. Upon announcing her resignation, she said, "Recently, many New Hampshire citizens have urged me to run for United States Senate. I appreciate their confidence in me." Ayotte, the state's first female Attorney General, has served and been supported by both Republican and Democratic governors.

As of today, just three days after leaving the Attorney General's office, it looks as though Ayotte is taking her desire to run a step further. In a press release, she announced that she has filed a United States Senate campaign committee with the Federal Election Commission, which will allow her to begin raising money to explore and pursue running for office, "Today I filed the necessary paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) in order to form a candidate committee for the United States Senate. This is the next step in the legal process as I explore my potential candidacy for the race in 2010."

While a number of prominent citizens of New Hampshire have expressed their interested in running for Senator Gregg's seat, Ayotte is thought to be a front-runner in the race, which could be why the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has already released an ad attempting to compare Ayotte to Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. The ad insists both women are simply abandoning their constituents for their own personal gain. New Hampshire State Democratic Chairman Ray Buckley told the Associated Press, "We now know that she is deserting the people of New Hampshire in favor of personal ambition. Not unlike Sarah Palin, Kelly Ayotte has broken her promise to the people she represents and put politics before public service."

"I would let my record of public service speak for itself," Ayotte responded to the criticism. The National Republican Senatorial Committee has also responded, reminding Democrats that President Obama once promised serve a full six-year term in the Senate.

Kelly Ayotte graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1990 with a B.A. in Political Science and from Villanova Law School in 1993. A member of both the New Hampshire and Maine state bars, Ayotte spent a year as a law clerk for the New Hampshire Supreme Court followed by four years working as a litigation associate with the firm of McLane, Graf, Raulerson, and Middleton. She joined the Office of the Attorney General in 1998 as a prosecutor, handling white collar, public integrity, and homicide cases. In 2003, she was appointed Deputy Attorney General and in 2004, Attorney General. Throughout her legal career, she has been the recipient of many rewards and honors. Kelly Ayotte currently lives in Nashua, New Hampshire with her husband, Joseph Daley, and daughter, Katherine.

Michele Bachmann: The GOP's 2nd Most Hated Woman

Last night, Sean Hannity called her the GOP's "second most hated woman." He was, of course, talking about Congresswoman Michele Bachmann from Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. After Governor Sarah Palin, Bachmann is perhaps the most recognizable and outspoken female member of the Republican Party and much like Governor Palin, Bachmann is a target of liberals in Washington DC and within the media. Each week, we see her on numerous news programs or holding press conferences on every issues from abortion to wasteful spending, but just who is Michele Bachmann?

The third female and first Republican to represent Minnesota in Congress, Michele Bachmann was born on April 6, 1956 in Anoka, Minnesota. She graduated from Winona State University, received her J.D. from Oral Roberts University and her LL.M. degree in tax law from William and Mary. Bachmann, who is a mother to five children, began her political activism in the 90's by getting involved with her local school system. In 1993, Bachmann along with other parents opened a Charter School that's Christian leanings were the source of much controversy. She also loudly opposed Minnesota's "School-to-Work" program.

In 2000, Bachmann officially entered the political arena, becoming a State Senator representing Minnesota's 56th District. During that time, she proposed a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. In 2004, she was appointed Assistant Minority Leader in charge of Policy for the Senate Republican Caucus. In 2006, Bachmann successfully won the election to her current seat in Congress. She currently serves on the Financial Services Committee and on several subcommittees including: Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises; Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade and Technology; Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

During her short time in Congress, Bachmann has been outspoken on everything from the war in Iraq to energy. She was a strong opponent of the federal bailout and introduced the Light Bulb Freedom of Choice Act, insisting the government should not be in the business of telling consumers what they can and can't buy. In October, 2008, during a controversial appearance on "Hardball with Chris Matthews" she not only questioned Barack Obama's patriotism but called for an investigation into several Democratic members of Congress' patriotism. Bachmann has taken a strong position on several other current, hot-button issues including favoring the privatization of Social Security and constitutional amendments banning gay marriage and opposing minimum wages increases and abortion.

Bachmann, not one to stray away from controversial topics or stand up what she believes in, is currently under fire for refusing to fill out the 2010 Census. Bachmann told The Washington Times she would only answer the question about how many people lived in her household, claiming the Census is becoming far too personal, "I know for my family the only question we will be answering is how many people are in our home, we won't be answering any information beyond that, because the Constitution doesn't require any information beyond that." Several House Republicans have been urging Bachmann to reverse her decision.

Bachmann currently lives in Stillwater with her husband Marcus. The couple has five children: Lucas, Harrison, Elisa, Caroline, and Sophia. They currently own a small mental health care practice. Bachman, who was yesterday appointed to be a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute's advisory board has parented 23 foster children.

Jan Brewer, A Look at Arizona's New Governor

When President Barack Obama asked Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano to step in as Secretary of Homeland Security, Arizona Secretary of State Jan Brewer was appointed to run The Grand Canyon State, becoming Arizona's fourth female governor.

Jan Brewer was born in 1944 in Hollywood, California and holds a degree in radiology from California Community College. She is married to John Brewer, who is a chiropractor. They have three sons, one of whom died in 2007, and Brewer accredits her political career to her interest in her sons' education. When she took office, Brewer told the Arizona Star that even though she has big plans for the state, she hopes she can maintain her normal daily life including her Saturday trips to Costco, putting her favorite meals in the crockpot before heading out to work in the morning, "getting in the dirt" of her garden, and enjoying her daily Coke Zero. She claims that staying in touch with the people she serves is key to successful governing:

"They do the same thing every day that you do. They face the same problems with their children. They face the same things with education and paying to send them to college. And you bring that with you, and you feel like you're their voice."

Brewer moved to Arizona in 1970 and has since spent 26 years serving the people of the state. She was supervisor of Maricopa County, a member of both houses of Arizona legislature, and was serving her second term as the state's Secretary of State when she stepped in as Governor in January. As Secretary of State, Brewer worked to help taxpayers keep more of their money and make the election process more accessible. She consolidated assignments, eliminated staff overtime, and had the state legislature update laws to rid the state of unnecessary expenditure and to help address the state budget deficit. She also compiled the Help America Vote Act State Plan which eliminated punch card voting systems, created centralized and uniform voter registration system and put touch-screen voting devices for disabled voters in each precinct. She also introduced and passed legislation that allowed men and women in the military to register and vote via fax or internet, which allowed hundreds of Arizona's military members to vote in the 2008 elections.

As Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Brewer turned the county around from being deep in debt to becoming one of the most fiscally sound counties in the United States. Brewer also worked to secure better salaries for sheriff's deputies, secure thousands of acres of land away from development and into county parks, and improved the Maricopa Medical Center Burn unit which today is one of the best health care facilities in the nation. As a member of the Arizona State legislature, Brewer served as the Majority Whip for three years, leading the way in reform that continues to help millions of Arizonans with tax relief, budget reform, truth in sentencing, open enrollment, school report cards, charter schools, clean air and water, and state trust land preservation. She also created the first Living Will statue in the nation.

In addition, Brewer has many other accomplishments and professional and community affiliations. She has served on the Governor's Military Task Force, as vice-chairman of the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, vice-chairman of WESTMARC, which focuses on economic development and growth issues, as Chairman of the Board of Directors for RIAZ, Inc. (Recovery Innovations of Arizona), and as Co-Chairman of the Continuum of Care organization dealing with homeless issues. She is also a charter member of Luke Fighter County Partnership which is dedicated to preserving the missions of Luke Air Force Base. She is also a member of Hope and a Future, Child Help USA, Arizonans for Children, the Arrowhead Republican Women's Club, the Maricopa County SMI Commission, the Arizona Rifle and Pistol Association, the Japanese-American Citizens League, and the Life in Christ Lutheran Church in Peoria.

History of the National Federation of Republican Women

The National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) is one of the largest and most influential women's political organizations in the United States. A grassroots organization, the NFRW recruits, trains, and elects candidates, advocates the GOP's philosophy and initiatives, and empowers women of all ages, ethnicity, and backgrounds in the political process. But how and when did the NFRW begin?

Believe it or not, Republican women began forming clubs before women were even allowed to vote and were inspired by the 1872 Republican Platform which stated,

"The Republican Party is mindful of its obligation to the loyal women of America for their noble devotion to the cause of Freedom ..."

The oldest Republican women's club on record was founded in Salt Lake City, Utah in the late 1800's, leading the way for hundreds of such clubs to form throughout the new few decades. By the late 1930's, the state of Indiana, alone, had over 140 clubs created by and for Republican women. But in 1938, Marion Martin, the assistant chairman of the Republican National Committee, decided it was time to organize the groups and clubs into a large national organization. Martin called a meeting at the Palmer House in Chicago and in attendance were delegates from every state that had at least 60% of their counties associated with a Republican women's club. The group adopted rules, elected Joyce Arneill of Denver as the first President, and established the NFRW to

"...foster and encourage loyalty to the Republican Party and the ideals for which it stands - to promote education along political lines - to encourage closer cooperation between independent groups and the regular party organization, which are working for the same objectives, namely sound government - to promote an interchange of ideas and experiences of various clubs to the end that the policies which have proven particularly effective in one state may be adopted in another - and to encourage a national attitude and national approach to the problems facing the Republican Party."

At the time of its founding, Maryland, Virginia, and Alabama had not yet granted women the right to vote. Franklin D. Roosevelt has been elected with only two states voting Republican. There were only six Republican governors 89 Congressmen, and 16 GOP Senators. Even so, the NFRW grew and gained momentum amongst women who were concerned with an ever growing government. By 1940, 34 states along with Washington D. C. were represented by NFRW.

The group took on the role as a lobbyist group in its earliest days, staying on top of important issues such as the Wagner Labor Relations Act, national debt, and foreign matters. Arneill urged all members of the club to contact their representatives about these matters and let them know that the women of the GOP were concerned about these issues.

Today, there are thousands of local NFRW clubs and members across the United States and even in some U.S. territories and their goals are all the same as the women who met to form the group over 70 years ago: to put Republicans in office, and to encourage women's involvement in politics, and to be sure the nation is aware of what is going on in our country. Members are ages 19-90 and include everyone from housewives to celebrities, first ladies to potential Presidential candidates, and they hold national conventions across the country, each year. Members not only help get the GOP in office, but they also benefit the communities with prorams such as the NFRW's Caring for American and literacy programs.

The current President of the NFRW is Shirley Sadler of Ohio and their newly renovated headquarters (pictured above) is located at 124 N. ALfred Street in Alexandria, VA.

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Where are the Republican Women?

Why are Republican women the minority in Washington? That is the question Erika Lovley of POLITICO.com explored this week. Women make up 51% of the United States population, but in Congress, the numbers are far from representative. Of 435 men and women in Congress, only seventeen of them are Republican women, and just four of 99 Senators are female members of the GOP. And if 2008 is any indication, things aren't getting much better. Despite having Alaska Governor Sarah Palin on the ticket as the Vice Presidential candidate in November, there were 96 women on the ballot for the Democrats, only 37 Republicans. Political science professor, Laurel Elder told Politico,

"Republican women are more reluctant to throw their hat in the ring because they don't see a lot of women like themselves in leadership or on the news. This idea that the GOP is just going to treat everyone fairly hasn't worked. If the GOP wants more women, they're going to have to do more than just recruit women. They need to urge them to run"

Several Republican members of Congress agree with Elder's statement. Representative Pete Sessions (R-Texas) claims the Republican party is focusing on "finding highly qualified female candidates who can effectively convey the Republican message," but former Representative Thelma Drake (R-Virginia) claims the negative press coverage and harsh accusations from opponents is enough to turn women away from politics. When news broke that Governor Palin's seventeen year old daughter was pregnant, the Palin family was often subject to negative and downright hateful treatment from the media and many liberal groups. Drake tells Politico she is still angry at the effect television ads had on her own grandchildren,

"For Republican women to say, ‘This is something I want to subject my family to’ — it’s a big role.' It’s difficult to find people to run for office, and it will be more difficult in the future because of the tones in campaigns."

Republican National Committee Co-Chairwoman Jan Larimer claims the RNC is taking notice and making a push to recruit and train women to run for office in 2010.

"Part of our goal is to dramatically increase the number of Republican women running for office. Chairman Steele and I agree that we must redouble our efforts to build a strong grass-roots organization that encourages participation by every Republican in every state and territory."

With this issue on the table, it will be interesting to see just what happens in 2010and 2012 regarding female Republicans. Will the national presence of Governor Palin influence more women to run for office or will the treatment of her family and other various other issues send a message that has women shying away from politics in general?

Women of the GOP "In the News" Round-Up

Lots of great Conservative and Republican women in the news this week, here is your weekly round-up!

- Condoleezza Rice's name has been in the headlines this week. What exactly has she been up to? Is she running for office? Returning to academia? Not exactly. Looks like she is writing about the Masters over at The Daily Beast. Not exactly what the world expected! (Stick around - tomorrow, "Women of the GOP" will have a profile on Secretary Rice, including everything else Rice is up to these days!)

- Did you attend your local Tax Day Tea Party on Wednesday? Thousands of Americans gathered in large cities and small towns to protest the government's misuse of our tax dollars! GOP Women from all walks of life were out in full force! Actress, Janine Turner, attended the San Antonio Tea Party. Georgia Secretary of State and candidate for Governor Karen Handel told a crowd at the Peachtree City Tea Party the Obama administration and Democrats in Congress are "in the midst of a full-on assault on the freedoms that this country was founded upon."

- Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann has been making a name for herself and getting under the skin of many liberals, lately. Bachmann isn't hesitant to criticize current Democrats in office or their policies and this week, she has been making headlines for daring to speak out and warn against Americorp.

- Alaska Governor Sarah Palin told a "Right to Life" crowd in Indiana, this week, that she briefly considered having an abortion when she found out her youngest son, Trig, would be born with Down syndrome. She followed that idea by saying, "The moment he was born, I knew that moment my prayers had been answered." Despite the way the mainstream media has handled the story, those who attended the event say the speech made them love and respect the Governor even more. You can watch part of Palin's speech here:

Patricia Heaton: Celebrity Voice for the Pro-Life Movement

The words "conservative" and "Hollywood" aren't usually compatible, but don't tell that to Patricia Heaton. Heaton is one of the few conservative A-list actresses who speaks openly about her politics, religious beliefs, and values. During the 2008 Presidential election, she attended fundraisers for Senator John McCain, supported Governor Sarah Palin, and has volunteered for President George W. Bush. She says she was raised as a Democrat but decided to switch parties when she felt there wasn't a place for "pro-life" members in the Democratic party.

Much of Heaton's activism centers around pro-life issues. She is the Honorary Chair of "Feminists For Life," which is an organization that opposes abortion and embryonic stem cell research from a feminist perspective. She spoke about the organization on an appearance on "The O'Reilly Factor,"

"The early feminists were pro-life. And really, abortion is a huge disservice to women, and it hasn't been presented that way. As Feminists for Life-what we're trying to do is support women, and so what we want to do is-reach women on campus-college campuses so that, when they get pregnant, they can find housing. They can find money they need to stay in school."

In 2005, during the media coverage of Terri Schiavo's last days, in an exclusive interview, Heaton told "Entertainment Tonight" that she was against taking Schiavo's feeding tube away and vowed to fast in her honor. In 2006, Heaton starred in a commercial along with several other celebrities opposing Missouri's proposed constitutional amendment regarding embryonic stem cell research. In a 2004 interview with Life News, Heaton was asked about her stance on abortion,

"I find it impossible to subscribe to a philosophy that believes that the destruction of human life is a legitimate solution to a problem that is mostly social, economic and psychological. In reality, most women 'choose' abortion because they believe they have no other choice."

Patricia Heaton is best known for her role as "Debra Barone" on the show "Everybody Loves Raymond," a role for which she won two Emmys. She was born in Bay Village, Ohio and attended Ohio State University. Heaton has been married to British actor David Hunt for almost twenty years. They have four sons, Sam, John, Joseph, and Daniel.