Still, Kurth and others say Wood's financial independence, whatever the amount, allows her a greater level of political independence and that is not always appreciated or welcomed by the longtime party faithful. I think people in her own party are threatened by her intelligence and independence. What Wood offers the Republican Party and Illinois voters is a fresh face and new ideas. Wood's stand From a policy standpoint, Wood's positions would not be that different from those Ryan has developed while in office. And he riled conservative Republicans by vetoing legislation to outlaw the use of state funds to help poor women whose health is in jeopardy pay for abortions.
Wood supports both moves.
Whether she would have voted for it had she still been in the state House is less clear. Well, I've been supportive of the program. Wood also supports the ban on executions while problems with the state's criminal justice system are investigated. But she also said she supports the death penalty. Her focus as lieutenant governor primarily has been women's health and so-called family issues.