INDIANAPOLIS -
2012 could be a year of opportunity for women in Indiana politics.
Twenty years ago was the last time legislative districts were redrawn during the same year as a presidential election. 24 women nationwide were elected to Congress that year, including the most in history. But it has tabled off since ever then. In fact, Indiana has had only five congresswomen and none of those served at the same time.
Four women won their parties' nominations for the fall, including Shelli Yoder in District 9. Eyewitness News asked Yoder about that during a recent visit to Indianapolis.
"I think the difference I bring is I am a working mom. I live and breathe that every day and I have those interests in mind when I campaign every day," Yoder said.
Susan Brooks is running in the fifth district.
"It's been too long in Indiana since Indiana has sent a Republican woman to Congress. We used it as a message to fire up Hoosier women and I think we did," said Brooks.
If successful in the fall, either Brooks or Jackie Walorski in the 2nd District would be the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Indiana since 1959. But it is not just Washington. Only 24 states have never had a female governor and Indiana is one of those. Indiana has had two female lieutenant governors: Democrat Kathy Davis and Republican Becky Skillman.
That point was not lost on Republican Sue Ellspermann when she spotted Susan Brooks in the crowd as she accepted Mike Pence's offer to be his running mate.
"As you know there are not enough of us but Susan, that number is growing. So we are working on it,' said Ellspermann.
It was also on Vi Simpson's mind as she accepted the same offer from Democrat John Gregg the following day. Eyewitness News asked her about the emerging role of women of politics.
"Congress, lieutenant governor. We are seeing women everywhere," I said.
"Well, it's about time isn't it?" she responded. Then she went on to add. "54 percent of the electorate is female. 52 percent of the population is female. So it's about time women step up."
It could be history repeating itself.
Vi Simpson (D), left, and Sue Ellspermann (R) are running mates for the gubernatorial candidates
Susan Brooks (R)
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