Much is being made out of a comment from a gubernatorial debate last week in Oklahoma where the two candidates running for Governor are female.  This election is historic in the sense that one of them will serve as the first female Governor of Oklahoma.

I know, I know….we are a little late to that dance.  However, seeing that we were the 46th state to enter the Union, I think we can take a ‘hall pass’ on that one!

None the less, during this particular debate both women- who have campaigned as conservatives (no surprise there – after all, we are in Oklahoma) were asked what sets them apart.  How were they different from one another?

The now infamous comment that followed has sparked a debate….and one you can read about here and here.

It was also on The View yesterday.

http://cdn.media.theview.tv/embedded_player/2.6.3/SFP_Walt.swf

And, Good Morning America this morning.  No secret that this hot topic is being discussed all across the country.  But, I ask you, does it really matter that one of the candidates is married with children and the other isn’t?

I’m not sure.  I can only speak for myself when I say that my perspective about life was much different before I met the Senator and we started our family.  Prior to motherhood I know I looked at the world differently. I was all about me, trying to succeed.  I had an important job, my own apartment, a fun social life, and I even managed to volunteer in the community.  I had no cares, no one else to worry about, no one else to take care of… just me.  Politically,  I wanted to save the world, fight for the underdog and let government take care of everyone else.  Commendable?  Sure.

Now, I worry about the world and how each critical issue will impact our family and my children’s future.  I still manage to volunteer in the community, but I have less free time.  Politically, I know that people seem to solve more problems than any government. I mean, that’s what moms do on a daily basis, right?  Solve problems…..

So, does being a wife and mother affect how I look at things?  Definitely.

Does having children ever sway my political beliefs?  Absolutely!  Having a family has made me more responsible, accountable and protective of my surroundings because I have a vested interest in their future.

Does it make me a better person?  I don’t know.  I can say that I care much less about myself and my own personal self-interests, and more about what happens to my husband, our children and the world around us.  Am I more compassionate?  Maybe….but in a different way and about different things.

Does being a wife and mother make me more qualified to serve in public office? I don’t think so.
 It just provides a different perspective…..that’s all.