Women Win Big in Primary Elections

Tuesday night was Primary Election Day in 12 states around the country. In many hotly contested races around the country, women came out as the victors. With the rise of prominent female politicians such as Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin, there has been much discussion about the role of women in politics. In it's coverage of the Tuesday elections, the Washington Post noted;

"With victories by several prominent women in Tuesday's primary elections came the familiar declarations that a 'year of the woman' is underway. But in at least five races, something even more remarkable occurred: The candidates' gender never became much of an issue.

"Tuesday's elections put on display the increasing diversity of female candidates, as well as their growing resilience. They were for abortion rights and against them, old and young, part of the political establishment and new to it. Their male opponents attacked them -- relentlessly, in some cases -- apparently unworried about being seen as picking on a woman. The women touched on their gender, but did so sparingly."

Read the rest of Howard Kurtz's article here for an interesting discussion on the evolving role of women in politics:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/11/AR2010061101988.html

So, who were some of these women that won big on Tuesday?

Blanche Lincoln- In a major upset, incumbent Senator Blanche Lincoln held on to her Senate seat, defeating Arkansas Lt. Gov Bill Halter 51-49%

Carly Fiorina- Fiorina won a three-way Senate Primary for the chance to face incumbent Democrat Senator Barbara Boxer.

Meg Whitman- Whitman won another three-way primary to win the Republican nomination for the California Governor's race.

Sharron Angle- Angle won a three-way GOP primary in Nevada for the chance to challenge Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid

Nikki Haley- Haley came out on top in the Republican primary for South Carolina Governor, however with 49% of the vote, she came 1% short of the vote needed to certify her as the winner. She will head to a run-off election against her opponent, Gresham Barrett. If elected Governor, Haley will be the first female Governor of South Carolina.