Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Margaret Chase Smith

I don't have lots of bloggy time tonight.....just home from a fun PWOC. Tonight I'll simply answer my question of yesterday. ::snort::

Margaret Chase Smith (December 14, 1897–May 29, 1995) was a Republican Senator from Maine, and one of the most successful politicians in Maine history. She was the first woman to be elected to both the U.S. House and the Senate, and the first woman from Maine to serve in either. She was also the first woman to have her name placed in nomination for the U.S. Presidency at a major party's convention (1964 Republican Convention, won by Barry Goldwater). She was a moderate Republican, included with those called Rockefeller Republicans. When she left office, Smith had the record as the longest-serving female senator in United States history.

Many are telling me this has been on television lately. I wouldn't know. ::snort:: I first discovered this interesting fact while the littles and I explored the election process. Here's a quick homeschool or life tip...visit your local children's library. The non-fiction picture books for youngsters are often quick to read, full of easy to grasp facts and colorful (I like color). ::snort:: The older students and I will often grab a biography or an adult non-fiction to further explore a topic after our attention has been grabbed by a children's book. I enjoyed this book on the right. Click the book cover for more info.
I'd like to read more about Margaret. I found her early life to be fascinating. I am currently looking for Politics of Conscience: A Biography of Margaret Chase Smith....but I don't want to spend $30. I want to find it at our library, unfortunately our library has NO adult biographies on Mrs. Smith...another great reason to check out the youth biographies...they tend to have a wider selection. I guess adults read only romance and westerns??? ::snort::
There you go - a worthwhile and educational post - they aren't all about picking noses and such.

©2008 D.R.G.