Ask Republican Rep.-elect Nan Hayworth how important it is to have women in congressional leadership roles, and she answers that gender shouldn't matter much."The overwhelming consideration to someone like me is merit," Hayworth insisted.Yet, as she continued to talk about her own campaign experience, Hayworth practically stopped herself."I did make it part of my theme, thinking about it now," Hayworth said, referring to the fact that she is a woman and mother of two grown childrenIt is one of those things that does strike a note and provides a bond with some folks in ways that did help me to reach good relationship with the voters here in New York's 19th District."Vicky Hartzler is a Republican woman from Missouri who toppled one of the Democrats' old bulls, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton, a 34-year House veteran.She said the fact that she is a woman was beside the point.
