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AUSTIN Democrats and their allies slammed Republicans on Monday, saying theyve turned a deaf ear toward serious womens issues.

The GOP has no female candidates for statewide office on the November ballot. And Democrats, whove been waiting for potential gaffes from the nearly all-white male lineup, took aim at their rivals after remarks this weekend on abortion and pay equity.

Republican lieutenant governor candidate Dan Patrick dismissed the idea that government should be involved in pay disparity issues for women. And a GOP political consultant called the low number of rape and incest victims a minor issue amid the debates over abortion.

Democratic governor nominee Wendy Davis and lieutenant governor nominee Leticia Van de Putte sent out fundraising pleas on Monday, citing the Republicans statements.

Both are expected to speak on the flare-up at a joint appearance Tuesday in Dallas for Annies List, a group that raises money for women candidates who support abortion.

Patrick, a state senator from Houston, was asked about unequal pay for women at a public forum and responded, I dont think it is a problem.

I dont think government should tell businesses how to pay their staff, he said.

Texas Democratic Party spokeswoman Lisa Paul said Patricks dismissal shows that he is out of touch with the realities that women face in the workplace.

Despite Dan Patricks nonchalance and insensitivity, Texas women know they deserve equal pay for equal work, she said. She cited statistics that Texas women make 79 cents on the dollar for the same work as men.

Meanwhile, on Lone Star Politics on KXAS-TV (NBC5), GOP consultant Matt Mackowiak was asked about Greg Abbott, the partys pick for governor. Abbott has said abortion should be outlawed, even in cases of rape and incest.

Link:
Texas Democrats bash GOP over remarks on women