Just endorsed by Gov. Sarah Palin, you can learn more about Ann Marie Buerkle here. — Erick

It has been 158 years since Susan B. Anthony gave her first speech on women’s rights at the third annual National Women’s Rights Convention in Syracuse, New York. She made history that day. We may not quote much from the speech, but we can mark that speech as the beginning of her life-long crusade for women’s political rights.

There have been numerous stories recently about this being the “Year of the Republican Woman.” One might point out that it is more accurately the “Year of the Conservative Woman.” Political power-houses like Sarah Palin, Michele Bachmann, and Jan Brewer have battled the media and the political establishment proving that you can be female, articulate, politically viable, and – conservative. That message has borne fruit from South Carolina to California.

The phrase “New York Conservative Republican” is not heard very often in the great Empire State; there are currently only two Republicans in the 29 member New York Congressional delegation. Both are men. Can a Conservative Republican woman win in the state of New York? Since Susan B. Anthony’s convention speech, several women from New York have been elected to national public office, yet none has worn the label of conservative Republican. However, I believe this may be the year we make history in New York because the stakes are so high for the preservation of our great country.

In my run for Congress I am definitely venturing into uncharted territory, both politically and personally. While I would enjoy spending more time with my family, I am joining the many others who are leaving behind their comfort zones to take a stand and make their voices heard.

For more than thirty years, I have worked and raised a family in Syracuse. I have been a registered nurse for thirty-eight years and an attorney in health care for the last fifteen years. I am not a politician who has planned on running for Congress since he was in high school. In many ways, it is the necessity of the moment rather than my personal ambition that that has led me to the campaign trail.

Susan B. Anthony made that first speech because she looked at society and saw the desperate need of the women of her time. Her speech was no rallying cry for the increased representation of women in Fortune 500 companies. Widows were having their children taken from them. Married women couldn’t own property. Women couldn’t vote.

Susan B. Anthony never married, but she was an advocate for women and children and families. I too am deeply concerned about the women, children and families of America-particularly my own.

I see the choices the politicians and bureaucrats are making in Washington, and I wonder if they ever consider the future implications of their decisions. We cannot afford a 13 trillion dollar debt. We cannot afford to cede any more of our liberties to an increasingly aggressive government. We cannot afford to allow the sacrifice of our military men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan to have been in vain.

Just like with the women’s suffrage movement, America needs a movement of voters’ rights-the right of citizens all across this land to have their voices heard, their concerns responded to, and their individual constitutional rights valued above the consensus of the state.

I believe America is ready to make history again.