Primary ballot sees big increase in female candidates

The director of Iowa State's Catt Center for Women and Politics says Tuesday's Iowa primary ballot reflects the great strides made in recruiting and encouraging women to run for office. Political scientist Dianne Bystrom says 99 female candidates from both parties are on the primary ballot, compared to 64 in 2016--a 55 percent increase. She says despite that increase, women still don't see running for office as a natural option--they have to be asked to run, and convinced they can win. Bystrom says polls show sexual harassment is an important issue for women regardless of party affiliation. She expects the economy, education, and health care also will be top issues, but more in the general election than the primary.


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