Women DNC Delegates: Republicans Don't Get It

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Women only care about jobs and the economy. That's a common refrain this election season from high-profile Republicans such as Ann Romney and S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley.

But women delegates at this week's Democratic National Convention say that view is woefully shortsighted.

"You can't say that your finances come before your health," said Regina Williams, a delegate from Charlotte, who is also mother to a newborn. "You can't separate one very important life need from another."

Haley came to Charlotte on the first day of the DNC to share a much different message.

"All women care about their budgets, they care about their jobs, they care about the economy, they care about whether they are going to be able to pay for their children to go to school," Haley said.

"They care about whether their children are going to move back home or actually have a job when they get out."

Women in Charlotte this week say they care about the economy, but they can't support candidates who don't share their social viewpoint.

"Economic things matter, but I can't imagine a woman would actually say that they want some government agency managing their reproductive rights," said Sandra Bjork of Chestertown, Md. "Republicans want smaller government unless it has to do with your personal life."

They say Republicans are far too intrusive in writing their social views into law.

"If (Gov. Haley) wants government out of our lives, why is the government telling us what we need to do with our lives," said Lynn Meffert of Charleston, S.C. Being a mother "is not just a financial consideration. It's about helping your children fully develop."

Both party conventions have pushed women to the forefront. Women are the one minority group up for grabs in 2012. Most polls suggest black, Hispanic and gay voters are solidly in Obama's corner.

"Women are half of who we are representing," said Peggy Gilmour, a former state senator from New Hampshire. "We as women know that our health is our responsibility, our personal responsibility, and we take responsibility for our family's health and that is why women are so important in this election."

They are also job creators and fuel a large portion of the economy, Gilmour said.

"We are the ones who primarily shop for the food, we understand the cost of living in this country. We are the ones who start small businesses. We are not just reproductive organs. We are a vital part of the economy."

Democrats at this week's convention say Republicans aren't an authentic advocate for their rights.

"Republicans are always talking about how they want less government, then how is it less government for Republicans ... to tell you what kind of medicine you should take," said Melissa Watson, second vice chair for the South Carolina Democratic Party. "That should be a decision between you and your doctor."