Number of women in state Legislature declining

Link to January 10 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article.

Excerpt:
Freshman Rep. Kelda Helen Roys (D-Madison) had a unique challenge when running for a seat in the Legislature: She had to defeat five male opponents in the primary to win.

"Most women who run for office don't have to beat so many guys," said Roys, who was unopposed in the general election

She is one of just 29 women serving in this session of the Legislature - about 22% of the 132 members. It's the smallest group of female lawmakers in 20 years and a sharp decline from the 37 women elected to the 2003-'04 and 1989-'90 Legislatures.

There are seven women in the 33-member Senate [4 Democrats and 3 Republicans] and 22 [16 Democrats and 6 Republicans] in the 99-member Assembly.