New Jersey Women Make Progress In Holding State Office [AUDIO]

New Jersey women have made progress in the battle to gain equal political representation.

The state has gained ground in terms of the number of women legislators in Trenton. Just eight years ago, the state was 43rd.

The recent addition of three women to the State Assembly means Jersey has risen to 10th nationwide. Betty Lou DeCroce replaced her husband, Alex in the Assembly. Donna Simon will serve in the Assembly for Peter Biondi. Both Alex DeCroce and Peter Biondi died suddenly.

Debbie Walsh of the Rutgers Center for Women and Politics points out that Gabriela Mosquera, challenged over residency requirements in the Assembly’s 4th district, will serve on an interim basis till a special election in November.

Walsh says it’s a change in political climate. She says, “we have seen more women stepping up to run for those positions, and we have seen the party leaders taking the initiative.”

But Walsh also points out that since Marge Roukema exited Congress in 2003, not a single woman currently represents the State in Washington. And many local offices are also behind in the number of women in their ranks. Walsh says New jersey needs to groom, identify and invite more women to run for office.

The center will hold, “ready to run” training for women next weekend on the New Brunswick campus to help bring more New Jersey women into politics. More than 100 New Jersey women are expected to attend. It runs from March 9th through the 12th at the Douglass Campus Center in New Brunswick.

More information is available by calling 732 932 9384, ext. 223 or by visiting their website.