Over the past month, the Texas governor has been whittling away at the gender gap that traditionally besets Republicans. A recent Gallup poll shows Mr. Bush has been gaining about 1 point a week among women voters - and some surveys indicate he's now closed the gap entirely, putting him in a statistical tie with his opponent, Al Gore, for the female vote. And Republican women officeholders think they know why. While their candidate may not take particularly women-friendly stances on issues like gun control, capital punishment, and abortion rights, lately he's been focusing more on issues like education and preventing domestic abuse.
Personal qualities come into play as well, they add.
Bush's female supporters stress his skills as a listener, and point to the women surrounding him as important influences. Indeed, Bush himself seems to see his wife and mother as strong political assets. One of the things I'm most appreciative of is strong, smart women. Also credited with Bush's gains is his unifying message and decrying of partisan rancor. I think that appeals a lot to women voters.