On the same day that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) is to take to the stage in St. Paul, Minn., to introduce herself to the nation, Republican women went after the media for its coverage of the GOP vice presidential pick.

For about 30 minutes, several GOP women, including Carly Fiorina, an adviser to Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) who was said to be on his vice presidential list, lambasted the media for what they believed to be unfair and sexist comments against Palin and her family.

“The Republican Party will not stand by while Sarah Palin is subjected to sexist attacks. Indeed, there has been a great deal of sexism coverage, unfortunately exhibited during Hillary Clinton’s historic run for the presidency and also exhibited during the very short time that Sarah Palin … as the Republican Party’s nominee for vice president,” said Fiorina, a former Hewlett-Packard CEO.

The McCain campaign has wooed Clinton’s supporters who have yet to warm up to the Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.). Republicans believe there might be an opening for disgruntled Clinton voters.

Fiorina said that Palin’s policies and executive record are fair game but that she has been treated unfairly because of her gender.

The media “would never dare say that about a man. Why is he running when he has two children at home?” said Rosario Marin, former U.S. treasurer, who contrasted coverage with Obama and his two daughters.

Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) tried to educate the media on the Palin’s executive accomplishments on the state and local levels. She said few men have managed a budget of $10 billion with as many as 24,000 employees.

“She is very well schooled and knows how to manage,” she said.