Read this interesting article by Martha Burke which details a strategy the parties may be employing to pit women candidates against male party leaders.  This action recognizes the fact -- women's vote is the x-factor in many elections to come.

As women gain leadership footing and come together to focus our votes behind women that support our needs and values -- the "gender gap" will pay off by transforming the political playing field.

You may also be interested in Ms. Burke's book - "Your Voice Your Vote: The Savvy Woman's Guide to Power, Politics, and the Change We Need."

- - - - - - - - - -

Martha Burk is a political psychologist and women's issues expert who is co-founder of the Center for Advancement of Public Policy, a research and policy analysis organization in Washington, D.C. She is currently Director of the Corporate Accountability Project for the National Council of Women’s Organizations (NCWO). She also serves as the Money Editor for Ms. Magazine, and she is host of the public radio show Equal Time. She holds a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Texas at Arlington. Her background includes experience as a university research director, management professor, and advisor to political campaigns and organizations.