She has been plagued by charges of using state staff for babysitting, and some question whether a woman with young children can be an effective governor. The report says voters prefer women governors with adult children, believing mothers will be torn between caring for their children and carrying out state duties. The guide underscores obstacles to women candidates in terms of preparation, management style, leadership style, family matters and other issues. And it encourages them to capitalize on their strengths and public perceptions of their honesty and ability to deal with education and social issues. Voters are most comfortable when they see a woman candidate standing up on behalf of others.
Voters think of a Republican woman as a Republican first, a woman second.
Democratic women are more often seen as a woman first, then as a Democrat. Regardless of gender, voters trust Republican candidates more on fiscal issues. Republican women are viewed as better crisis managers than Democratic women. Democrats are more often associated with social programs such as education and health care. The report also found that the media could be another obstacle to women candidates by focusing on the appearance and superficial aspects of the candidate.