What makes conservatism powerful is its recognition that ideas are more important than a person’s immutable characteristics. In the current political climate, who better to make that case than a wave of rising female conservatives?

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In today’s political arena, women are the most unapologetic defenders of conservative principles.  From media stars Ann Coulter and Michelle Malkin to members of Congress like Michele Bachmann (R-MN) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), female conservatives have become go-to voices when a spirited defense is needed of traditional values, the free market and national defense. With the 2010 midterm elections fast approaching, their rise to prominence is making it possible for another wave of articulate, accomplished women to push back against the establishment’s tendency to soften on core principles over time. 

When ObamaCare started to look as though it would pass against the express will of the American people, Bachmann issued an “emergency House call” for conservative activists to come to Washington, D.C., and protest the bill.  In less than a week, thousands of people showed up from across the country – on a Thursday.  Though the bill still passed, Bachmann’s stirring speech evoking Thomas Jefferson’s call for a little revolution now and then solidified her support with the limited government Tea Party movement. 

Long before ClimateGate exposed the junk behind global warming science, Blackburn took the fight directly to Al Gore when he testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee.  During her question time she grilled the former Vice President for being in line to make millions from investments tied to cap-and-trade legislation then pending before Congress.  The exchange went viral on YouTube, giving national exposure to the 7th most conservative member of Congress, as ranked by National Journal. 

Unlike many of their well-known male peers, both Bachmann and Blackburn opposed the financial industry bailout during the George W. Bush Administration.  As sound fiscal conservatives they instantly recognized a government-engineered market distortion when they saw one.  Their opposition to massive government spending continued into the Obama Administration, serving as loyal, consistent voices for free market capitalism.

These women continue to demonstrate that the combination of principled convictions with an unyielding passion to promote them is the defining characteristic of rising female conservatives.  But where Bachmann and Blackburn have established their positions in the congressional framework, congressional candidates Angela McGlowan and Star Parker are making names for themselves with their dynamic ability to articulate conservative positions in any setting.   

Running in a hotly contested Republican primary set to vote on June 1, McGlowan is barnstorming Mississippi’s First congressional district promising to repeal ObamaCare and oust Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).  But before she can take on the incumbent, Travis Childers (D-MS), she must first convince Republican voters that a successful black female who worked as a Fox News analyst before becoming a best-selling author shares their conservative Mississippi values. 

If First district voters give her just a few minutes, they’ll know she does.  McGlowan’s effectiveness as a speaker is just as powerful in person as on video.  Whether the issue is protecting gun rights, lowering taxes or eliminating the departments of education and energy, McGlowan knows how to articulate a conservative’s anger with the elite liberal agenda.  Refreshingly, she’s also skilled in balancing that anger with a Southerner’s charm and quick wit.  If elected to Congress, there is no doubt McGlowan will quickly establish herself as one of the most recognizable promoters of commonsense conservatism. 

Like McGlowan, the key to Star Parker’s appeal is the passion and knowledge with which she speaks. As the founder and president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education (CURE), Parker – a former welfare recipient – works to implement the insights of cutting edge conservative think tank research in poor black communities.  CURE’s stated agenda is to “[p]rotect unborn life, traditional mores, capitalism, parental rights and private property,” and its motto is that “[t]he political process is to protect one’s purposes and pursuits – not plunder them.” 

Parker is running as a strong, intelligent advocate for voters in California’s 37th congressional district.  Unopposed in the June 8 Republican primary, Parker will give the Compton-based district a distinct alternative to the political vision espoused by its current congresswoman, Laura Richardson (D-CA).  Sending the head of the premiere black American think tank to Washington, D.C., would greatly enhance both the content and credibility of conservatives’ critiques of the Obama Administration’s policies. 

The ascendancy of conservative females from activists to media personalities to politicians is still taking shape, but already defies the liberals’ practice of assigning positions based on race, ethnicity, or gender.  What makes conservatism powerful is its recognition that ideas are more important than a person’s immutable characteristics.  In the current political climate, who better to make that case than a wave of rising female conservatives?