CLEVELAND – When Republican men run for office, you can bet that Republican women are the backbone to those campaigns.
Locally, that backbone is Cindy Bias, president of Richland County Republican Women. But this week, Bias is the backbone to the campaign of Republican nominee Donald Trump.
“Republican women today, at least for me, are a proponent for the ideals this country was based upon, and the principles of this country,” Bias said. “We need a president who is going to unite us, who’s not going to divide us racially or economically. That’s why I think it’s important for me to do the job that I’m doing.”
This week, Bias has been in Cleveland volunteering for the Republican National Convention as an operational director. Her official duties include helping out-of-state delegates find their way around, but there’s a bigger purpose in her presence.
“Everyone has said how much they’ve loved Ohio, how beautiful Cleveland was and how friendly the people are, and what a great experience they’re having,” Bias said. “And our main goal is they have a great experience, and we get the next president elected.”
Another Republican woman representing Richland County in Cleveland is Angela Phillips, president and CEO of Phillips Manufacturing. Phillips has seen a different side of the convention this week, attending private events and fundraiser luncheons – even a luncheon with Trump himself.
“(Trump) wanted to make sure that he thanked the people putting the money forward and making this happen from a fundraising standpoint,” Phillips said. “He was very unifying with the party, had a lot to say about where we’re headed as opposed to what happened in the primaries. There’s been a lot of great people moving forward with the Republican party.”
As a businesswoman, Phillips said she appreciates Trump’s affinity for numbers and job creation. And while she is normally not involved in politics, Phillips wanted to attend this week’s convention to “walk the talk.”
“The great thing about this country is we can get involved; you have to take the time and get educated on what’s going on, but you can get involved and make a difference,” she said. “That’s really what we’re lacking. I’m pushing to make a change and have more business owners in Washington.”
And one of the few women in the steel industry, Phillips is familiar with breaking glass ceilings. However, she feels one of the biggest misunderstandings in this year’s election is women should vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton because she is a woman.
“For me, Republican stands more for family and faith and about hardworking Americans and what they can do, and giving them the opportunity,” Phillips said. “There’s something to be said for the movement taking place today. I felt compelled that this was something I should get involved in.”
Bias also felt a duty to participate in this “one-in-a-lifetime” convention experience. Once a supporter of Sen. Ted Cruz, Bias said she was disappointed in Cruz’s choice not to formally endorse Trump on Wednesday evening. But she said she was now “through with Cruz” and ready to “stump for Trump.”
“The more I’m getting to know Trump, the more I watch the convention and hear people talk about him, the more I see he’s going to be a really good president and a good leader for our party,” Bias said. “I think everyone needs to get on board and support him.”
