Female politicians respond to Arizona shootings

Here are some female politician responses to the Arizona shooting of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and the effects it may have on running for political office.

 “I recognize the shootings as bizarre behavior from a very small part of our society.  I do not know how a person can protect themselves from this type of behavior other than remain aware of your surroundings and the behavior of the individuals around you.” –Alison Bartlett, Cobb County School  Board Chair, Post 7

“I find it hard to believe that running for a state office, that one would be a target. There are still people who are willing to stick their necks out, just as people are willing to go into the military, knowing full well that they

are becoming targets. It really is important for elected officials to be able to interact with the public. This incident is very regrettable for our country, but I hope that it will not alter the political process or limit politician’s contacts with their constituents. It is really important for them to get out there, see the people, and talk to them, and that’s what Giffords was doing.”-RuthE Levy, President, Cobb Democratic Women; three-time candidate, Georgia State House, District 45

 

“The Arizona shooting is definitely going to have a chilling effect on people thinking about running for political office. In my case, we had several parades, and we gathered 10 neighborhood children to ride with us. I would be hesitant in the current environment to do that again. It’s a true shame, and it will affect the quality of women stepping forward to get the discourse rolling. It’s a very sad thing.” -Diane Lore, 2010 candidate, Georgia State House, District 41

©2011 Tomi Johnson. All rights reserved.