Politics and Women This Week

A few gender related items in this week's news: Michigan State House Representative Lisa Brown was banned from speaking on the House floor this week after she used an anatomically correct word for a specific part of the female anatomy. Read her statement on CNN (video available): Lisa Brown: "Silenced for Saying (Shock) 'Vagina'," . Note this statement near the end:

In the aftermath of this, Rep. Jim Stamas, whose job it was to issue the edict against me, said he "honestly had no idea it would become such an issue." I find it amazing that a fellow legislator wouldn't understand why it's outrageous not to just silence me, but my 90,000 constituents.

The Obama campaign released a new ad today aimed specifically at women voters:

Obama for America today released the first in a series of television advertisements that highlight President Obama’s commitment to issues important to women and their families. The new ad – “First Law” – illustrates President Obama’s belief that hard work should pay off for all Americans. That’s why the first bill he signed into law was The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which helps ensure women can fight for the same pay as men for doing the same work. President Obama knows that equal pay for women means a stronger middle class for America.

“First Law” will air in Colorado, Florida, Iowa, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, and Virginia.

Please click HERE to watch the ad and HERE to learn more about President Obama’s record on issues important to women and their families.