In Maine, Women Rule

[Terran]

http://www.americablog.com/2008/12/in-maine-women-rule.html

Maine’s glass ceiling developed a few more cracks Wednesday as women were sworn in as Senate president and House speaker. And in one of its first acts, the newly seated Legislature elected Maine’s first female attorney general.

“It’s so good to see things moving ahead,” said Janet Mills, a Democrat who won bipartisan support to become the state’s 55th attorney general. “Just because there are a lot of firsts doesn’t mean there can’t be a lot of seconds, thirds and fourths along the way. Maine men and women are sharing responsibilities more than in many other states, most other states.”

Also Wednesday after the formal swearing-in of the Democratic-controlled Legislature, Sen. Elizabeth “Libby” Mitchell of Vassalboro was elected the chamber’s president and Rep. Hannah Pingree of North Haven was elected House speaker.

-more-

Awesome...somewhat literally. :)

[eShirl]

1. We haven't had a female governor yet

but it's only a matter of time.

[Old and In the Way]

2. Janet is a great choice.

My wife ran for House Rep in our district this year. She got to know Janet really well....they did some canvassing together over the summer.

[ensho]

3. great going Maine

the more women in office the sooner we get peace and the sooner we heal the earth.

[MarkInCA]

4. What next? Dogs and cats sleeping together?

Seriously though, I hope in my lifetime we will talk more about the people in office, not if they are female, black, lesbian, gay, etc., etc. What was achieved recently by both Obama and Maine is an encouraging step forward but too much focus lately has been on things that don't matter in how someone will do their job. While they are valid points of discussion, I just will be glad when society doesn't focus on it anymore.

/rant

[ensho]

5. the fight for women's rights "matter". seriously

there are many steps to climb between now and what you hope for.

[Terran]

7. That day is a LONG way off, if it ever comes at all.

Until then, I think it's a good idea to focus on inclusion specifically as a virtue. The more we talk about it, the more it becomes accepted as the norm.

[Maine-ah]

6. the lovely Hannah Pingree - she's 32 years old

for those that haven't heard of her:


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannah_Pingree


Hannah M. Pingree (born 1976) is Democratic politician from the State of Maine. She is currently serving her third term in the State Legislature and her first as House Majority Leader. She is the Democratic nominee to become Speaker of House in the 124th Maine Legislature. She is the third woman in Maine history to serve as House Majority Leader and the youngest woman ever to hold the position. She is the second youngest person to hold the position in state history.

Prior to serving in the Legislature, she was a fundraiser for the United States Senate campaign of her mother Chellie Pingree. She also worked for two years in New York City as the political director and “Election 2000” producer for iVillage.com, the largest political internet site for women. In addition to serving in the Legislature, Hannah works as the capital campaign director for North Haven Community School.<1>

Pingree graduated from North Haven Community School and Brown University. She was a 1998-1999 Fellow for Leadership in Public Affairs for the Coro Foundation in New York City. In the Legislature she represents 10 islands and coastal towns. She grew up on the island of North Haven, Maine, where her father Charlie is a boatbuilder.<1>

[Terran]

8. Wow, she's just a baby!

(and a babe!)