Nine and Counting

by Mikulski, Barbara; Mikulski, Barbara; Hutchison, Kay Bailey; Feinstein, Dianne; Boxer, Barbara; Murray, Patty

• ISBN13: 9780060197674
• ISBN10: 0060197676
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2000-07-06
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publications

Summary

What a difference a woman makes. The nine women of the United States Senate have changed the political landscape, and there's no turning back. Now, for the first time, in Nine and Counting, readers will be treated to an inside view of their private and public lives. As they share their stories and reflections with refreshing candor, insight and humor, they demonstrate how ordinary women can overcome barriers and achieve extraordinary goals. These nine women are more different than they are alike. Their backgrounds, personal styles and political ideals are as diverse as America itself. Yet they share a commonality that runs deeper than politics or geography--the desire to give a voice to all of their constituents while serving as role models for women young and old. Each Senator brings her unique perspective to the mix: Barbara Mikulski, Democrat, Maryland: Strong, unpretentious, a masterful strategist and coalition builder, she is "The Dean" of women in the Senate. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Republican, Texas: A pioneer for women and Republicans in Texas politics. Combines mastery of the issues with utter determination. A direct descendent of a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Dianne Feinstein, Democrat, California: Her commitment to public service has been tested by time and tragedy, making her one of the Senate's most trusted leaders. Barbara Boxer, Democrat, California: She entered political life because she refused to stand by and do nothing in the face of public need, and became a powerful voice for the disenfranchised and the environment. Patty Murray, Democrat, Washington: When the politicians told her she was "just mom in tennis shoes" who couldn't make a difference, she set out to prove them wrong, and in the process opened up new possibilities for women and families. Olympia Snowe, Republican, Maine: A woman of enduring strength and keen intellect, she embodies New England independence and overcame tremendous adversity to emerge as one of the Senate's leading and most tenacious consensus-builders. Susan Collins, Republican, Maine: Susan Collins, Republican, Maine: Hardworking, independent and honorable, she kept her promise to be a crusader for better government and quickly became a respected voice in the Senate. Mary Landrieu, Democrat, Louisiana: Possessed of an altruistic spirit and an agile mind, she helped forge a new coalition within her Party that would challenge politics as usual. Blanche L. Lincoln, Democrat, Arkansas: Motivated by a passion for public service and a deep love for her state and its people, she beat the odds to bring common sense and a result-oriented approach to government and her Party. The life of a woman senator, as it will be vividly illustrated in this book, is a constant challenge to balance personal and public roles, with few models to draw from. For those who love public life, as these women do, it is an exhilarating task. In Nine and Counting, they've got this message: Membership in the "world's most exclusive club" is open to the women of America.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	ix
Introduction: The Power of Nine Women...Just Like You	xiii
Catherine Whitney
Prologue: The Dinner Club	1	(4)
Why Not a Woman?	5	(12)
``Take Notice...and Remember''	17	(22)
Don't Get Mad, Get Elected	39	(20)
Triumph and Disaster	59	(28)
Balancing Acts	87	(28)
Different but Important	115	(20)
Consuming Passions	135	(26)
Out on a Limb	161	(18)
What We've Learned: Nine Lessons	179	(52)
Appendices
A. The Women of the United States Senate: 1922--2000	193	(6)
B. Women's Work 2000	199	(8)
C. Biographies	207	(24)
Index	231