Do you think our country could use more women representing us in government? Well, according to The National Journal, so does the The Republican Party. Here are the highlights of the article:

But party strategists acknowledge that the GOP remains woefully underrepresented among women.
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[RNC co-chair Jan]Larimer has spearheaded the party’s efforts to recruit and train more women candidates. And based on the GOP’s efforts this year, the party needs the help.
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The RNC has held 2 workshops for women so far, and the party is producing training manuals aimed at enticing women candidates into more contests.
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“It’s serious business on both sides. The [NRCC] has to have people that can win, and we want candidates that can win,” Larimer said. “We want them to get their feet wet, and we’re doing everything in our power as we work with the states.”

Well, Brava Republicans! You’ve taken a great step in acknowledging the problem and taking it seriously. I happen to have some ideas about how solve your woman problems. And this goes for the Democrats too. Party leaders: Listen up!

Step 1: Don’t allow sexism against any women candidates, even those not in your party.

Sexism has been used as a political tool against Republican and Democratic women candidates and has been harmful personally and professionally. Women considering a run for office see how women candidates are treated by the media and other politicians and may choose not to subject themselves and their families to such low level tactics. If women don’t run, women can’t win. Problem.

Party leaders: Don’t stand for with ANY sexism within your party ranks. And speak out against it in other parties. Solution.

Step 2: Invest heavily in existing women candidates. If women keep losing, women will stop running. If women don’t run, women can’t win. Problem.

Party Leaders: If you really want to solve your woman problems, do it now. Put your money, time and resources where your mouth is and provide real support for your party’s 2010 women candidates. Victory for these women will be a victory for your party and a victory for our country. Solution.

Step 3: Voters: Here comes your part and it is easy:

VOTE WOMEN.

That’s it!

Do you want to see real change? Do you want to see real progress for our country? No problem. Visit the link to see whose running. These women need your help. No matter the state or the party, GET INVOLVED in their campaigns. Donate. Vote. You will have a great time!

The best reference site on the internet for information regarding women candidates is CAWP Center for American Women in Politics. Visit this link to get a complete list of women candidates running by state, office and party.

Let’s make 2010 “The Year of the Woman”. Problem solved.