Tammy Baldwin

Tammy Baldwin is a U.S. Representative from Wisconsin running for the open Senate seat vacated by retiring Senator Herb Kohl. Currently, Congresswoman Baldwin is the only gay woman in Congress. Should she win this upcoming race, she will be the first openly gay person to serve in the Senate. Congresswoman Baldwin has been a progressive fighter for Wisconsin and for women's rights since first being elected to the House in 1999.

Background:

• In 1986, served in the Madison City Council.
• From 1986 to 1994, served as the Dane County Supervisor.
• Served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1993 to 1999.
• Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1998 from Wisconsin's 2nd District.
• After a close re-election race in 2000, Baldwin has won in landslides for her seat since then.
• Serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, as well as the Congressional Caucus on Women's Issues, and the Congressional LGBT Equality caucus – of which she is a co-chair

House Committee Assignments

• Energy and Commerce
• Subcommittee on Environment and Economy
• Subcommittee on Health

Baldwin also serves on the Congressional Caucus on Women's Issues and the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus – of which she is a co-chair.

Baldwin's Positions on Key Issues:

• Baldwin votes consistently for domestic violence and violence against women legislation.
• Pro-abortion and reproductive rights, and strongly opposed to cuts to Title X and family planning funding.
• Recently authored the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Reauthorization Act to ensure early breast and cervical cancer screenings to low-income, uninsured, or underinsured women.

Prospects: Democratic State Representatives Kelda Helen Roys and Mark Pocan have announced intentions to run. Public Policy Polling, a Democrat-allied firm, said Baldwin is likely to be the strong Democrat candidate in the field.

General Election Opponent: Former Wisconsin Representative Mark Neuman is the only official GOP candidate for the Senate seat in Wisconsin. Other potential Republican challengers include state senator Frank Lasee, former governor Tommy Thompson, and former state senator Ted Kanavas.

Roll Call Politics rates the open Senate seat a tossup given Wisconsin's history as a swing state.

Other Endorsements: EMILY's List, National Organization for Women, Human Rights Campaign, The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, Blue America

Website: www.tammybaldwin.com