Pre - 2000 Archaic Traditions Impairs Republicans

By Gail E. Neira

Sexism and racism, however subtle remains a hurdle within some, if not most, Republican groups in California, including liberal San Francisco.

Few Republican women in San Francisco, despite some deceptive leadership titles, rise to heights of policy development and more assertive public leadership. Low-key presence and performance seems to be the more desirable trait the still male dominant Republican Central Committee in San Francisco and their official yet supposedly independent endorsing arm prefers when selecting women to serve on committees. By traditional Republican standards, the Republican leadership in San Francisco, for instance, may feel that the contemporary role of the Republican woman is being fulfilled. However, the subtle tactics of confinement has not gone unnoticed by women outside of the inner political circles considering the continued declining voter registration and volunteerism numbers.

The Republican Party in general needs to overhaul its thinking and provide more relevant and attractive incentives to lure bright, more sophisticated, more dynamic and potentially marketable leaders from both the women and ethnic American populations in California.