THEIR VIEW

Remember the old T-shirt slogan: A woman's place is in the House and the Senate? Not necessarily in South Carolina. It's possible that the state Senate will be a womanfree zone come November. This, in a state that already has the fewest number of female members of its legislature than any in the nation. ...

That there is such a disparity in representation when compared to the state's population should be cause for concern. Particularly when there are lawmakers who have exhibited such a lack of respect for health and reproductive rights for women ...

We do not advocate someone running for office or being successful in the quest simply because of gender, just as we don't think race should play a role. The best candidate should prevail. But we do believe that the parties should offer more support to the 51 percent of South Carolina's population who can add much to the discussion on issues that concern us all. There are many dedicated and effective male members of our state legislature. We count some among our friends. Our view that the body creating law for all the people should better represent the people is not intended to be disrespectful of their efforts.

But there are smart, dedicated, educated and willing women in this state who apparently don't feel they have a chance at winning, not because of a lack of ability, but because they expect to receive so little support from either political party or other lawmakers in the attempt.

(Anderson Independent-Mail)