What do voters want?

Apparently, more female candidates.  According to political consultants who now believe that women make desirable political candidates.  (For more, see A Woman’s Edge).  Why? The argument runs like this: voters assume women are more trustworthy and in touch with everyday life.  They are also viewed as the ultimate outsiders. In a 2009 study, Deborah Jordan Brooks explored this issue by sending out a fictitious newspaper article about a member of congress.  Half the articles described Rep. Karen Bailey and half described Rep. Kevin Bailey.  The two Baileys were judged equally competent and although were inexperienced politicians, “Karen” was viewed as stronger and more compassionate. Interesting…