Women identified as “happily married” are again a key voting bloc for Democrats this year
WASHINGTON — Democratic strategists say happily married women could prove decisive in this year’s midterm elections, with internal polling suggesting many remain loyal at home while showing an increasing willingness to experiment politically.
“We sense a real promiscuity among women voters this year,” Democratic strategist Mark Ellison said Tuesday. “They’re open to new things. They’re meeting new people. They may have been with the same guy for 20 years, but politically, they’re willing to see what else is out there.”
Ellison appeared unaware of how the remarks sounded.
Party officials say outreach efforts are increasingly focused on suburban women who describe their marriages as happy, stable and fulfilling, but who may nevertheless be interested in candidates their husbands have never brought home before.
“The key is making that first connection,” Ellison said. “You don’t want to come on too strong. Maybe you start with healthcare. Then education. Pretty soon she’s listening to things she never thought she’d be interested in.”
Campaign operatives say the demographic has become especially attractive because many married women maintain political identities distinct from those of their spouses.
“That’s what makes this group so exciting,” Ellison said. “She may have been going one way with her husband for years, and suddenly she’s thinking, ‘Maybe I want something different.’”
Asked whether Democrats were effectively attempting to seduce married women away from their longtime political affiliations, Ellison rejected the characterization.
“Nobody is trying to break up a happy home,” he said. “We’re not asking her to leave her husband. We just want one night. Election night.”
He added that discretion can be important.
“A lot of these women don’t necessarily want to make a big announcement about it,” Ellison said. “Sometimes you just want to get her alone, have a conversation, find out what she really wants and see where it goes.”
Republican strategists have responded by emphasizing stability, commitment and the dangers of making an impulsive decision after years of loyalty.
“You know what you have,” one GOP operative said. “Maybe he leaves his socks on the floor. Maybe he talks too much about third-down conversions, taxes and World War II. But is that really worth throwing everything away over some smooth-talking guy who shows up every two years promising to listen?”
Democrats insist their outreach is not about replacing anyone.
“We’re not saying leave your husband,” Ellison said. “Absolutely not. Stay married. Be happy. Have a wonderful life together.”
He paused.
“We’d just like you to spend Election Day with us.”
Party officials say the strategy has already produced encouraging results, with several married women telling canvassers they are at least willing to hear Democrats out.
“For us, that’s all we’re asking,” Ellison said. “An open mind, a little curiosity and maybe one night where she does something completely out of character.”
At press time, Ellison was reportedly preparing remarks on the importance of “getting married women into the booth, closing the curtain and letting them do whatever feels right.”
