Saundra McDavid

Many people have asked me over the last several days my thoughts on Senator McCains’ Vice Presidential running mate. My response: “She’s my hero.” It was an emotional moment when I found out that it was a woman that McCain choose for Vice President. And then as I watched Governor Sarah Palin’s acceptance speech that morning I was astounded to find out she was an outspoken woman who had taken on the old boys network and eliminated corruption in the government around her. A woman who believes that government should work for ALL of the people, not the special interests that control politics today. A woman who believes in less taxes and less government; two issues on which I had recently campaigned. Her description of her Mayoral platform was especially interesting to me: “My agenda was to stop wasteful spending, cut property taxes and put the people first.” I eagerly watched her Republican Convention speech this week, and I came away even more impressed. She’s not perfect and she’s not polished. But she stands up for what she believes in. And Senator McCain told the World that a strong, outspoken woman is someone we want on our side.

I believe Governor Palin represents a new hope for women, and especially woman in politics. It is okay to speak up about issues that affect us. It is okay to not go along with the status quo. It is okay to question the good ole’ boys. It is okay to point out and to fight corruption. It is okay to be a soccer mom and to let the World know how important your family is to you. And it is okay to balance a career and a family.