The beliefs of the TEA Party Republicans in Montana are scary.  But what scared me more is the recent New York Times/CBS News poll that found a striking difference in the way men and women say they are going to vote come November.  Men are more likely to vote Republican than in 2006 and 2008, women are keeping up our loyal Democratic tradition as we have for years, but many women may sit out the 2010 election cycle, according to a recent New York Times article.

This is a big deal for a couple of reasons. It tells us that outreach to women voters will be a key strategy for any Democrat hoping to win an election this year.  In election years like this without many of the big statewide races that generate voter interest in Montana, GOTV — Get Out The Vote — will make or break close races this Election Day.   Republicans have had a turnout  advantage in the primaries across the state because of Tea Party and extreme-right candidates, many of whom won, so those with limited resources will be wise to target women voters this cycle to make efficient use of precious campaign dollars.

There is a lot of anger out there, the Times reports, mostly from men.  But it’s time to generate some anger of our own.  A TEA Party Republican legislature will be a nightmare for Montana women of unrivaled proportions.

Unless you think that the only women whose views can be trusted are rich, white, married, conservative women with kids, wake up and do something to impact this election.  Every kind of craven, backwater, 1850′s era nuttery you can think of is going to be proposed in a legislature controlled by TEA Party Republicans.  Repeal no-fault divorce?  That was already proposed in the last session.  Get ready to say goodbye to equal pay, equality at home, bodily autonomy and freedom from violence.  Think I’m overreacting because of the Governor’s ability to veto?  Remember that some 90% of incumbents are re-elected every year and that the Governor’s office will be an open seat in 2012.