Background

Political Life

Pelosi entered the political scene after her children were grown and moved up through the California Democratic Party. She became the chairwoman for Northern California and partnered with Congressman Phillip Burton who was one of the Party leaders in California. After Burton's death in 1983, his Congressional seat was assumed by his wife, Sala. Sala was stricken with cancer and decided not to run for reelection. Instead, she chose to support Pelosi by supplying her with faithful contacts. Sala she died early on in her second term and a special election was held. In 1987, Pelosi ran and narrowly won against San Francisco Supervisor. Without having participated in candidates' debates, Pelosi has been reelected 10 times, receiving at least 75% of the vote in one of the most heavily democratic districts in the country. She served on the Appropriations and Intelligence Committees in the House of Representatives, and was the ranking Democrat on the Intelligence Committee for two years. In 2001, Pelosi became the first woman in the U.S. to be elected as the House Minority Whip. When Dick Gephardt resigned as minority leader in 2002 after his decision to campaign in the 2004 Presidential elections, Pelosi was elected to replace him, setting the record as the first woman to lead a minority party or one of the major parties in the House. The Democrats gained a majority in the House during the 2006 midterm elections, giving the party the chance to elect the Speaker. In a unanimous decision, Pelosi was chosen for the Democratic candidate of Speaker in November 2006. Her Republican counterpart was easily defeated on January 3rd and Pelosi became the first woman, the first Californian, and the first Italian-American to hold the position.

Pelosi announced the Democrats' intentions to push through a package of legislation during the first one hundred hours of the 110th Congress. This plan became known as the "Hundred Hours" and began on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 after the January 4th swearing-in ceremony. The "Hundred Hours" is borrowed from President Franklin D. Roosevelt who promised expedient action regarding the Depression. The Democrats of the 110th Congress passed bills to implement the 9/11 Commission recommendations, increase the minimum wage, expand stem cell research, allow negotiations for lower prescription drug costs, cut interest rates on student loans, and end subsidies for big oil and investment in renewable energy.

Political Positions

As a representative for most of San Francisco, she represents a highly liberal constituency, but has been criticized for being less liberal than many of her Democratic colleagues. Pelosi founded the Congressional Progressive Caucus, but left after becoming Minority Leader to maintain neutrality. She is a Roman Catholic who supports a woman's right to choose. She voted against the 2000 Partial Birth Abortion Act and related legislation. She originally supported the Patriot Act but voted against its renewal. Her voting record suggests she strongly believes in equality for homosexuals and increasing funding for education. She supports legislation to control guns. She is committed to developing new technology to reduce oil use and conserving energy, though she has not produced a comprehensive bill to address climate change as promised. She voted against the Secure Fence Act and supports rights for illegal immigrants.

Biography Links

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Professional Positions

Accomplishments

Criticism

Additional Information

Contact the Superdelegates

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• Address:
  235 Cannon House Office Building
  Washington, DC 20515
• Phone: 202-225-4965
• Fax: Not Available
• Website: http://www.house.gov/pelosi/

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Biography Links