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ABC News
ABC News
Politics
By Lucy Sweeney

This is how many women are trying to get into US politics

While Australian politics grapples with accusations of appalling behaviour that has women heading for the exit door, American women are putting their hands up for political life in record numbers.

There are more than 500 female candidates for the upcoming midterm elections, making up about 24 per cent of the overall number.

Some commentators — and even US politicians — have drawn comparisons between 2018 and the last year that saw records totally smashed, 1992.

That year, the surge was partly attributed to an all-male Senate committee's decision to nominate conservative judge Clarence Thomas for the Supreme Court after sexual harassment allegations against him emerged.

This year, commentators say the divisive Trump presidency has inspired some women to go beyond the Women's Marches and propel themselves into Congress.

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