September 4, 2008 Women discuss importance of electing women Play video

(NECN: Brad Puffer) - Sarah Palin is the first Republican woman to be nominated for the office of vice president. The Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus watched Palin's speech last night.

Unknown to most Americans, this was her first introduction and for many women in politics, Governor Sarah Palin was an inspiration.

"I think she hit out of the park. She had to show she had confidence, knew the issues and relate to people, not just those on the convention floor, but the general population out there who are actually going to vote for her," said Ann Murphy.

Murphy is president of the Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus. A Republican, she is now very excited that Senator McCain chose her to run and believes she will help reach independent-minded women across the country.

The Women's Caucus stood outside the State House Thursday, encouraging women to enter politics. Women, like Jen Benson from Lunenburg, a Democrat, now running for state representative.

So far, many Democrats say after this speech, voters still know very little about what Palin stands for, and what she wants to do.

"It is obviously a historic moment for the Republican Party as ours was for the Democratic Party, but the real question is what kind of change do we need in this country," said Benson.

But, Palin showed she could directly challenge Barack Obama, and it came after many Democrats challenged her own family decision and experience.

"She