Does Partisanship Shape Women’s Participation in the Party Organization?

Abstract

Rep. Marge Roukema (R-NJ) was passed over by Republican leadership for the chairmanship of the Banking Committee, of which she was the most senior member. She was also one of the most senior female Republicans in the House of Representatives during the 107th Congress and the most senior member on the committee. After she learned the news, she issued the following statement:

I am gravely disappointed at the decision of the Steering Committee. However, I will be gracious and a good sport as a member of the Republican Team. I pledge to continue my services on the Committee and assure with my knowledge and experience that we protect the safety and soundness of financial services and assure that we continue supplementing the good economy with sound monetary policy. (Roukema Statement on Banking Committee Chairmanship January 4, 2001)