Well, that didn't take long. Just days after the filing deadline, the Ohio House Republican machine turned their eyes to our race and attacked me for being pro-women. (See the GOP website)
If they're looking for an apology, they won't find it here.
Listen, I'm running for this seat, in large part, because I want our daughter to have the same opportunities as our son. I want her to know that when she grows up she can start a business, raise a family, make her own health care decisions, earn the same (or more) than her male peers, love who she chooses, and never feel like a second-class citizen. Those are the values I'm fighting for.
My opponent? Marlene Anielski was ranked 99th out of 99 House members (dead last) on the InnovationOhio Women's Issues Scorecard. That alone should say plenty. But, no. The Republicans couldn't help themselves.
In attacking me for running against my opponent, the House GOP boasted that she was one of 12 women in their caucus, while the Democrats only had 11. That's true.
What they forgot to mention was they hold 60 seats in the House to the Democrats' 39. That means of the 60 seats they hold, only 20% are held by women. That's 1-in-5...in 2014! Making it worse, only one out of the 19 standing committees of the House is chaired by a woman–and the Republicans decide who chairs those committees! (see the Ohio House website)
Democratic women, on the other hand, hold almost 1-out-of-3 seats in their caucus. While that number is still way too low, it's important to recognize that the Minority Leader and Assistant Minority Leader of the Democratic caucus are women. And I'm proud that they are!
I want you to know that I'm going to work tirelessly to win this seat and be a voice for women in the House. And when I'm there, I'm going to do my part to (vocally) encourage the leaders of both parties to shatter the glass ceilings that hold our state back.
Being a man doesn't mean I can't stand up for Ohio women. Being a man means I'm supposed to.
Learn more about my campaign for State Representative at http://www.callmefoss.com
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