RNC Women

As I write this on Election Day 2009, I am struck by the importance of the women’s vote in today’s elections for governor in New Jersey and Virginia. 

According to Rasmussen Reports polling on October 29^th, John Corzine was favored by just 46 percent of female voters in New Jersey.  Contrast this to 2008, when CNN exit polling showed Barack Obama won more than 58 percent of the Garden State’s female vote.  That 12 point swing could be enough to put Republican Chris Christie over the top. 

The story is the same in Virginia.  In 2008, Barack Obama won 53% of female voters there.  But this year, Rasmussen polling on October 27th shows Democrat gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds with just 47% of the female vote. 

While no one could argue that either Creigh Deeds or John Corzine have the political skill of Barack Obama, it is just as true that the White House has thrown its considerable clout behind each candidate.  President Obama has held rallies with each of them.  The White House has helped raise millions of dollars to support the Deeds and Corzine campaigns, and even deployed one of the Obama team’s chief strategists to take over the failing Corzine race.  Despite all that, the data continue to indicate that women are beginning to move away from Democratic candidates.

The numbers don’t tell the whole story.  Female voters aren’t just turning away from Democratic candidates – they are taking a fresh look at the GOP. As we continue to speak to women about issues that resonate with them, we will see more and more success – both tonight and through the 2010 cycle.