Political scientists shoot down suggestion female candidates may be distrusted

With a provincial election looming, will the recent actions of some women in powerful positions lead some voters to turn away from female candidates this spring?

Numerous political scientists answer that question with a resounding ‘no’.

That includes the University of Toronto’s Nelson Wiseman and Doreen Barrie at the University of Calgary.

“It’s not as if males haven’t brought governments into disrepute, so I really don’t think that’s a factor,” Wiseman said.

“You know, male politicians aren’t all angels,” Barrie added. “Yet no one asks, ‘Will voters hesitate to vote for a man after Rob Ford?'”

Former Premier Alison Redford was forced out of office last spring after numerous questionable expenditures came to light, while Wildrose leader Danielle Smith was perceived to betray party faithful by crossing the floor to join the governing PCs.

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