Online NewsHour: Forum: New Jersey Governor Christine Whitman -- April 29, 1996

Although women are not monolithic in their interests, most agree there is a "gender" in the understanding of certain so-called women's issues. Republican stands on abortion and family planning are pushing many fiscally conservative women over to the Democrats. How this "gap" is addressed by both Republican and Democratic candidates could make a difference in who is elected in November.

Gender mattered in 1994: 54 percent of women picked Democrats and 46 percent Republicans. And if the presidential election were held in January 1996, a USA TODAY/CNN/GALLUP poll shows that 53 percent of women would vote for Clinton, while 44 percent would vote for Dole.

What is it like to be a high-ranking pro-choice woman in the Republican party? The first woman in New Jersey's history to win its highest elective office, Governor Christine Whitman, answers your questions about her experiences.

A woman with a history of community activism, Governor Whitman began her association with the National Republican Committee after graduating from college by developing the "Listening Program." In order to reach out to groups not traditionally associated with the Republican Party, she met with minorities, senior citizens, students and gang members in the East Ward of Chicago.

In announcing his candidacy for Congress against your friend, Kathe Donovan, Democrat Steve Rothman said that there was no difference among Republican congressional candidates, that they could all be expected to support Newt Gingrich. Even Marge Roukema backed the Contract With America more than two-thirds of the time. Will such attempts to link New Jersey Republicans to Gingrich succeed this fall? Why or why not?

Let me begin by saying, Jonathan, that I'm impressed that someone who doesn't live in New Jersey has been following the political scene in our state so closely. That's why I'm sure you know that New Jersey voters -- and their representatives -- have a long history of independent political thought. A quick look at the current political make-up in this state bears that out -- we have a Republican governor, a Republican majority in both our State Assembly and Senate, our House delegation is majority Republican, yet we haven't elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate since 1972.

I am convinced that New Jersey voters will continue to cast their votes for the men and women whom they believe will best represent their interests in the Congress. I don't believe that voters will be fooled by any suggestion that New Jersey Republican House candidates would either ignore or vote against the interests of the people they represent in order to follow the dictates of the House leadership. Furthermore, I don't believe that Speaker Gingrich or any other House Republican leader would ask them to do so.

New Jersey House Republicans have supported those provisions of the Contract that they believe serve the interests of the people of their districts and of our state. That is why I, too, support balancing the federal budget, enacting a $500 tax credit for each child, making Congress adhere to the same laws everyone else does, and giving the President line-item veto authority -- all components of the Contract with America.

To attract women voters, should the Republicans change their anti-abortion platform, as New York Governor George Pataki says. Should Bob Dole drop his support of a constitutional amendment outlawing abortion?

Susan, I don't believe you close the so-called "gender gap" with a single issue. You close it by focusing on issues that are important to all Americans -- like owning our own homes, creating good schools for all our children, making our neighborhoods safe from crime, and increasing economic opportunities.

I don't believe abortion is the defining issue of Republicans. If you look closely, you'll see that Democrats are split over this issue too. You can be a good Republican and be pro-choice and be a good Republican and oppose choice. I think that abortion is a deeply personal issue between a woman and her doctor and should not be a political litmus test.

Why did you announce you would not accept the vice-presidential nomination on Dole's ticket. Did the opposition from the religious right to putting a pro-choice woman on the ticket have anything to do with it? Does Sen. Dole need to put a woman on the ticket to attract woman voters now backing Clinton?

Once the presidential nomination was settled, George, speculation over the vice president became the only game in town. Everything I said and everything I did was being judged as part of the vice president issue. I decided I had to put an end to it. While I've been able to achieve a lot of what I said I would do on my campaign for governor, there's still a lot I want to accomplish in New Jersey, and I intend to stay here and do it. I made a commitment to the people of my state a couple of years ago, and I'm going to honor it.

As for putting a woman on the ticket to attract women voters, I don't think that works. It underestimates the intelligence of women voters -- and lumps us all together. I believe most Americans -- men and women -- vote for the candidate who best mirrors their views and beliefs -- not their gender. I got the majority of New Jersey's male vote in the 1993 gubernatorial election.

I would like to know what your views are with regard to economic issues affecting women, particularly maternal leave, welfare reform, and the minimum wage?

Raymond, I don't believe there are any economic issues that are exclusively a woman's concern. Those you mention -- maternal leave, welfare reform, and the minimum wage -- are just some of the economic concerns women have. But men also have to be concerned about those issues. And, like men, women are also interested in issues like reversing high tax rates and relaxing the stranglehold of regulation.

Maternal leave policies are extremely important. A woman who has given birth to a baby should be able to take the time she needs to recover from the birth experience and forge a strong bond with her infant. That's why I signed the 48-hour mandatory hospital stay for new mothers -- to afford new moms the time they need in a hospital setting to regain their strength and energy.

Regarding welfare reform, I have proposed a comprehensive program called Work First New Jersey that I believe will provide welfare recipients with the skills and experience they need to reach for and achieve self-sufficiency.

Our program puts in place work requirements, sets a time lit on receipt of benefits, and requires teen-aged recipients to stay in school.

For our part, the state will cooperate in child support collection efforts, provide temporary health care and child support during the transition from dependency to self-sufficiency, and use its resources to help people find work.

With regard to the minimum wage, New Jersey currently sets the minimum wage at $5.05 an hour. An increase in the national minimum wage is set at the current federal standard.

Hello,
My daughter, a junior in high school, is interested in a political career. Can you give her any tips in how to prepare. It's been suggested that a legal background is no longer the major of choice in college and that it would be far better to get a general degree. Do you think that reasoning is valid? Thank You,
Audrey Sundstrom

The most important advice I would give your daughter is to pursue a college major that provides her with intellectual challenge, interest, and stimulation. There is plenty of room in politics and government for people of varied educational backgrounds. I believe government works better when a diversity of interests and perspectives is represented.

I am a strong believer in a liberal arts education that provides students with the skills they need to reason, to learn, and to think independently and creatively. Individuals with those skills are likely to succeed in any field they choose to pursue.

Are Republican proponents of localism and devolution prepared to pay for the LOCAL provision of NATIONALLY-mandated services, or do they simply want the Federal money (i.e. block grants) without any strings attached?

(Editors note: AFDC, food stamps, Medicaid and Medicare are issues that greatly impact women's lives. For example, Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) usually goes to households headed by single women, and care of elderly parents often falls upon daughters.)

Well, Stavros, we are willing to be accountable -- accountability is an appropriate string -- but we need the flexibility block grants afford to allow us to be accountable in a way that makes sense for our state.

President Clinton recently vetoed a bill banning a certain late-term abortion procedure. What is your position on this particular veto? Should the procedure be legal to save the life of the mother?

Nancy, I believe it is always a mistake when government tries to legislate the type of procedure a doctor should use in an extreme situation. While I share the concerns about this procedure, it is, for the most part, only done to save and preserve the life and health of the mother - and that is a legitimate goal.

Since the Democrats are out strongly with the message that the Republicans have no empathy with women in general and working women in particular, why are you and others who are articulate not given more prominent national roles to explain your party's program? Will it take a debacle in this year's presidential and congressional races to make the point?

Governor, Do you feel that the "Big Tent" idea (with respect to the abortion issue) is really a policy of Republican Party?
It seems to me that a pro-life stand on abortion is the litmus test for national office. I suspect that the tent isn't all that big after all.
If you become Senator Dole's running mate, I guess I'll retract my question.

The liberal left always tries to pigeon-hole those of us on the right. For instance, on the PBS homepage this question was asked, "How has the Republican Party changed, and how has Governor Whitman coped with its shift toward the conservative Right?" You see, apparently the GOP is something that must be "coped" with, and certainly not to rejoiced at, but that's their typical media bias.

Also, the abortion issue is presented as something that all women would vote for. I say "poppycock." I think if the truth be known, the women in this country are evenly split on the issue. And in the case of partial birth abortions, women, as well as men are flat out appauled at that. I would guess that pro-life women are far more monolithic, and galvanized than is being presented by PBS.

Most Americans who work for minimum wage are women. In issue after issue, the GOP demonstrated that it is not concerned about the fate or the future of these women, or of their families. Your presidential nominee is a steadfast opponent of raising the minimum wage. How can the GOP convince voters that it cares for anyone other than the wealthy? And does it care for anyone other than the wealthy? Actions speak louder than words.

Dear Madam Governor Whitman, We are an elderly couple in Montclair who like many equally troubled people all over this state are seriously at a loss with the burden of excessive property taxes. Help must come down the line to relieve the county, municipal and school problems that are crippling us who have no way of compensating for the augment that has taken place these last years. If relief doesn't come soon (substantial reductions only will make a difference), we will soon be obliged to sell this place

Living in California, I hadn't been that familiar with your political career until made aware of it via the Howard Stern radio show (interesting political resource, I know). Since then I have made it a point to regularly read articles concerning your actions as Governor of New Jersey.

Just wanted to let you know that there are plenty of us out here that are very happy that you are not afraid to tell things as they are. (your "jewel in the crown" remark for example) Its refreshing to hear someone who does not succumb to the pressures of the media and interest groups. Thank YOU

Governor,
Do you find it more difficult to engage allies in the Party now that it is leaning so far right?? Or do you find that most Republicans are more moderate like your self, and the trend towards fundamentalism to be most among a specific group? i.e. White males over the age of 50??

I am glad to hear that not all republicans are not so indifferent to woman's issues as is reported. Women are responsible for the kids in there care so that should be responsible enough to decide what to do with their own bodies. thank-you for having the courage to say publicly what I always assumed a lot of your contemporaries think.

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April 29, 1996NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR CHRISTINE WHITMAN ANSWERS QUESTIONS ABOUT WOMEN IN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY

April 29, 1996
NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR CHRISTINE WHITMAN ANSWERS QUESTIONS ABOUT WOMEN IN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY