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IS THERE A WOMAN IN THE HOUSE...OR SENATE? by Bryna J. Fireside

IS THERE A WOMAN IN THE HOUSE...OR SENATE?

by Bryna J. Fireside

Pub Date: March 1st, 1994
ISBN: 0-8075-3662-8
Publisher: Whitman

Any girl seeking a role model for a political career will find at least one here. In informative, clearly written biographies of ten congressional pioneers (from Jeannette Rankin of Montana, first woman elected to Congress, in 1916, to Geraldine Ferraro, first congresswoman chosen by a major political party to run for vice-president), Fireside lauds them for pathbreaking contributions and revels in their differences— in religious and economic background, in educational experiences, in appearance (camera-ready or not), and in their plans (or lack thereof) for their lives. She's to be commended for seizing opportunities to bring in facts on woman suffrage, civil rights, the creation of Israel, the Vietnam War, Watergate, and the Equal Rights Amendment and for pointing out that, when it came to crucial votes, each legislator had to consider not only the interests of her party, constituents, and conscience, but also of her race and sex. Influential teachers and relatives are acknowledged; b&w photos include youthful shots; occasional anecdotal levity adds appeal. Also included: a cut-and-dried introduction on how Congress works; a forthright report on how the book was researched; selected bibliography; index. (Biography. 9-14)