"One is the Loneliest Number"

Right now as we speak, I am sitting pretty on my couch watching television and eating cookies. But how does this evening differ from all other nights? Well, tonight is the Iowa Caucus.

Here are some fast facts about the Caucus: There are 1,774 precincts in the 99 counties that make up Iowa. There are also approximately 307 days until the 2012 Presidential Election.

But the number we should focus on is the number one. One is the number of women who are running for President of United States in the 2012 Election. Whether you love her or hate her, it is important to face the fact that only ONE woman is running for the highest office in the land. And to me, that is absolutely unacceptable.

Did you know that there are only 17 women who currently serve in the United States Senate? Or there are mere 73 women that serve in the House of Representatives? Again, this is completely unacceptable. As a young, ambitious and politically driven woman, I am overwhelmed with disappointment by how few women are serving in public office or actively pursuing it. In my eyes, women belong in not only the kitchen, but also the House and the Senate.

I have had the privilege to have met and formed relationships with so many intelligent, determined and wonderful women in my short lifetime. With this said, I can assure you that the talent is out there and it begins with us. It begins with you and me, our sisters, our friends, our acquaintances, or even the woman who will be sitting next to you on the express bus tomorrow morning.

So, I charge you to add something else to your list of New Year’s resolutions. Right under lose weight and do laundry regularly, write down, “Become informed about politics and support female candidates.”  A great way to begin this endeavor is to commit to reading at least one article about politics a week. For every one article you read about a celebrity, promise to me that you will read about another type of power woman. Also, it’s ok to start small. Read about the ladies who are running to become your local alderwoman or state representative. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Whether you plan on wearing a navy dress or a dashing red pashmina on November 6^th, remember the choice is yours and yours alone. But the best choice is an educated choice.