FAQs About Tammy

How I Got Started in Government

My very first taste of the impact public service can have on people's lives came, surprisingly enough, when I was in middle school in Madison. I attended Van Hise on the west side, which is now Velma Hamilton Middle School.

As a member of the student council, I remember working on issues both small and big, local and international. Our School-Community Relations Committee helped address the concerns of people who lived right across the street from the school. Our student council also raised money for a school in Managua, Nicaragua (Wisconsin's sister state) after a devastating earthquake. I learned that the actions of a small group of people could make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Our small group of 6th, 7th and 8th graders took on problems that many people either ignored, or just thought, "let it be, we can't change anything... no use trying." Our small group was hopeful...we DID try.

I served on an outreach committee to improve relations with neighbors of the school. One woman who lived near the school was upset because students trampled on her flowers walking to and from school. Another was quite angry about a noisy air exchanger in the industrial arts classroom. We solved these problems by putting up a small fence around the flower beds and lobbying the school board for a muffler for the air exchanger. This was a great exercise in problem-solving and in seeing how a small group of people can effect positive change. I really loved the experience and it put me on the career path I'm following to this day.

I Can Do That!

Right after college, I returned to Madison and got an internship in the office of then WI Governor Tony Earl. I was assigned to work with the Governor's advisor on women's issues. We were advancing Governor Earl's initiative on pay equity. I was an enthusiastic young woman and, no doubt, to channel some of my energy out of the office, I was asked to monitor meetings of all sorts - city council meetings, county board meetings, committee meetings, and the like. By attending all of these meetings, watching and listening to the proceedings over a period of time, I came to understand the political process. It was de-mystified for me. What had previously seemed so complicated was now understandable and I gradually began to think, "Hey, I can do that!"

If at First You Don't Succeed...

Everyone knows I was a member of the Wisconsin State Legislature for 6 years and am now the first woman from the state of Wisconsin elected to Congress. But let me let you in on a little secret...In 1975, I ran for Student Council President at my middle school...AND LOST. In 1980, I competed for a chance to be my high school graduation speaker...AND LOST. And in 1983, I ran for class president at my college...AND LOST! I hope that's a lesson for other people (young and older) who are dreaming big dreams!

Something You Probably Don't Know About Me

My grandmother, who was an artist and a costume designer for the University of Wisconsin Theater, taught me to sew when I was very young. I made the dress that I wore to class on the first day of first grade. I also made the bridal gown and several bridesmaid dresses for a friend's wedding. Unfortunately, my current job doesn't give me much time for sewing or for playing volleyball which are two of my favorite activities.

What motivated you to run for Congress?

Ever since my days on the student council in middle school, I was aware of the power of individuals to effect change and make a real difference in the world around them. I ran for Congress, after having been elected to both the Dane County Board of Supervisors and Wisconsin State Assembly, because I wanted to exert greater influence in public policy, especially in the area of health care reform and in enacting a universal health care system in this country. That is the dominant issue that got me into politics and the one that keeps me there.

Prior to running for Congress, had you ever held elective office?

I began my career in elective office as a member of the Dane County Board of Supervisors in 1986. In the same year, I served briefly on the Madison , Wisconsin City Council, filling an aldermanic vacancy. I served four terms as a Dane County Supervisor (1986-1994), while also running for, and winning, a seat in the Wisconsin State Assembly in November 1992. I served three terms as a State Representative for the 78th Assembly District (comprising central and south Madison ) from January 1993 to January 1999.

Were there other people in your family who were involved in politics?

As I’ve traced my family tree, I’ve discovered that some distant family members were involved in politics, but I didn’t know about them until after I was elected to Congress.

What were some of the barriers you came up against when running for office ?

You name it! People said I was too young, I was a woman, I was too liberal, I was a lawyer, I was a lesbian. I wasn’t connected to the traditional political fund-raising sources. In other words, the pundits all expected me to lose my race for Congress in the primary.

From where do you draw inspiration?

I’ve been inspired by the words and deeds of many people both in and out of government. Let me give you just two examples among many: Wisconsin ’s former Governor and Senator, the late Gaylord Nelson, held a seat in the U.S. Senate - the most powerful legislative body on earth. Driven in the 1960s by the need to protect and preserve our environment and natural resources, he realized that change was not going to start in the Senate . . . it must come from the people. Gaylord Nelson devised a strategy, through Earth Day, to engage people in directly improving their environment and articulating to their leaders what must be done. In my quest for health care for all, I’m inspired by Senator Nelson’s leadership.

I’m also greatly inspired by the observation of famed anthropologist Margaret Mead who wrote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has!” Those words are framed and hanging in my offices in Wisconsin and Washington , DC and I refer to them often.

What books have influenced you?

Books have always had a significant influence on me. Here are just some examples from various times in my life:

Early childhood:
My grandmother was an artist and a very visual person, so many of the bedtime stories she chose had vivid illustrations. Beyond the usual Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes, I remember Cautionary Verses, Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit, and many Dr. Seuss stories, including The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins.

Middle & High School years:
In middle school and high school, I was exploring many of the classics, guided ably by the Madison West High School English and French Departments. Titles recollected include Conrad’s Heart of Darkness; Shakespeare’s “Hamlet;” Austen’s Pride and Prejudice; Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, and Joyce’s Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. In French class we read The Stranger by Camus and many plays by Moliere.

College:
At Smith College , all my introductory courses were intended to immerse us in a field. In my “Introduction to Political Science” course we started with Plato and Socrates and worked our way through to contemporary writers. Along the way, we read Hobbes, Locke, John Stuart Mill, Machiavelli, Alexis de Tocqueville, and Hegel. As members of the class of 1984, we all had to read Orwell’s 1984 to discuss during freshman orientation.

Coming out/sexuality:
As I came out as a lesbian during my college years, books played an important role in giving context to a topic rarely discussed in schools or around the dinner table. I was already heading toward a career in public service and was moved by Randy Shilts’ The Mayor of Castro Street: The Life and Times of Harvey Milk. Two of Professor John Boswell’s works were fascinating: Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality: Gay People in Western Europe from the Beginning of the Christian Era to the 14 th Century and Same-Sex Unions in Premodern Europe. For light reading, I enjoyed the works of Rita Mae Brown.

Women’s rights:

Fiction and non-fiction with civil rights themes that stick in my mind include You Can’t Put A Good Woman Down: Stories by Alice Walker, and Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own.

Politics and achieving goals:
Since first going to Congress, I’ve been collecting books by and about former and current members of Congress, to gain further insight into this adventure... Barbara Jordan: American Hero, by Mary Beth Rogers; 24 Years of House Work. . .and the Place is Still a Mess, by Patricia Schroeder; Walking With the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement, by John Lewis; A Rage for Justice: The Passion and Politics of Phillip Burton, by John Jacobs; and Home Style: House Members in their Districts, by Richard Fenno, Jr. are now in my collection. I’ve also read, and encouraged my staff to read, The System by Haynes Johnson and David Broder, about the Clinton health care plan and why it failed.

Leisure reading:
There isn’t much time for leisure reading, frankly. Thinking about some of the works I read in high school and reflecting on some of the wonderful works by Wisconsin authors, such as Lorrie Moore and Jacqueline Mitchard, reminds me of how much I miss just sitting down with a good book. On a vacation to northern Wisconsin , I reread Aldo Leopold’s Sand County Almanac with great pleasure.

How do you stay in touch with the people you represent?

I am fortunate to represent exceptionally diverse communities. Wisconsin ’s 2nd Congressional District stands apart from most because of its scope: approximately one third urban (including the cities of Madison and Beloit ), one third suburban, and a third rural in nature .

While much of my work takes place in Washington , DC , I am pleased that most days during the year I am home in Wisconsin . As a result, I am able to speak directly with thousands of constituents each year. In addition, I receive and respond to more than 40,000 letters, phone calls and emails from district residents each year. While in Washington , I frequently meet with constituents interested in specific legislative matters.

To keep a focus on the concerns of Wisconsin families, my Congressional office does not respond to letters or calls from out of state.

In formulating my opinions, I also weigh input from my staff, colleagues, advisors, and other allies who share my goals. I read press reports from district newspapers, meet annually with print and TV editorial boards, and appear on local TV and radio programs to discuss issues of the day. I share my opinions with my constituents through periodic newsletters, newspaper columns, e-alerts, and my website, and invite them to respond.

Do you feel women are discouraged from entering politics? If so, why?

I think women are passively discouraged from entering politics by the subtle messages that society sends to women. I don’t think it’s overt, nor, in many cases, is it even intentional. Women with young children wait until their kids are grown (to enter politics); their male counterparts do not. Young women professionals think that political networking will take away from their career advancement; while male professionals see growing their Rolodex as a way to advance their careers. I find, also, that it is a female trait to want to be completely prepared before undertaking a task such as running for office, whereas men seem a little more comfortable with “winging it.”

In your opinion, why are there so few women in public office today?

In addition to the societal issues that I described in the previous question, the relatively low number of women in office is caused in part by the fact that it is hard to beat an incumbent office holder, so the real opportunities come with open seats, which are rare. In addition, politics, especially at the higher levels, increasingly involves an excessive loss of privacy. Many people are turned off by that aspect of the job.

The United States has never had a woman President. In your opinion, why not?

I think that there will be a woman President soon for a number of reasons:

1. Programs such as The White House Project have helped lay the foundation necessary to someday elect a woman President. The White House Project has pushed Americans to think about and discuss women they’d like to see run for President. They’ve held mock presidential elections to get Americans used to the idea of placing a checkmark by a woman’s name when voting for President. (Even though it’s a mock election, that person can no longer say they’ve never voted for a woman for President.)

2. The popular media are now presenting images of a woman commander-in-chief as well as images of other powerful women. Media, especially television, play a large role in transforming attitudes and breaking down barriers and prejudices.

3. Today we have many more women in the pipeline, holding top positions that prepare and qualify them to be credible Presidential candidates.

What is the significance of being the first woman elected to Congress from Wisconsin ?

I’m very much aware of the symbolic importance of my first election and appreciate that many people recognize it, as well. It’s especially meaningful when I meet and talk with young girls who, because they see me serving in Congress, can then imagine themselves there. However, I believe that a majority of voters elected me not because of my gender, but because they share my interest in assuring quality health care for all, providing a single, comprehensive prescription drug benefit under Medicare, investing in our children’s education, protecting our air and water, and preserving and protecting Social Security among other things.

Do you work with Members from both political parties?

I always seek to find common ground with my colleagues. In the 109th Session of Congress, I enlisted Rep. Tom Price, M.D., a conservative Republican from Georgia to join with me in drafting groundbreaking legislation to help break the gridlock in Congress on the issue of health care for all. Our Health Partnerships Through Creative Federalism Act (HR 506 in the 110th) is especially promising because it is garnering strong bipartisan support. I’m also proud to partner with my colleague Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC) in this session, to introduce legislation to reauthorize funding for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program to help low income, uninsured, and underserved women gain access to lifesaving medical screening programs. In my first two terms, I enjoyed working with Maryland Republican Connie Morella as we helped pass the Violence Against Women Act. I’ve also worked closely with Pennsylvania Republican Melissa Hart to pass legislation related to tampering with food products. In addition, I work closely with the entire Wisconsin delegation, Democrats and Republicans, when regional interests prevail, such as in the need to uncover and resolve the high cost of gasoline or home heating oil or the need put Wisconsin’s family farmers on a level playing field.

Why should young people get involved in the political process?

A recent survey of college-age adults showed them very likely to be interested in public service, but not interested or likely to participate in politics. Many people, including, but not exclusively young people, think politics doesn’t affect them, or that politics is for someone else to do. Politics is part of living in a participatory democracy and in a democracy we (you and I) decide what is possible. If you don’t get involved in politics, if you don’t inform yourself about issues, if you decide not to vote, you allow someone else to make important decisions for you...decisions that will affect your life. I urge all young people to give politics a second look. Get involved and you can help change your world...and maybe meet some interesting people along the way.

What are your priorities?

Health care for all; followed closely by equal rights, justice, and equal protections for all.

What is your greatest goal?

I went to Congress because I want to ensure affordable, accessible health care coverage for all in this country. That remains my goal for the foreseeable future.

How are you helping to create change?

Substantively, I hope I’m contributing to the drive to create a national will for universal health care. I’m also proud of my legislative work in the areas of civil rights and justice. But I believe my election to Congress is of great symbolic value, as well. As an openly-gay, relatively (for Congress) young woman, who’s been elected to county, state, and now federal offices, I give hope to all those whose voices are traditionally not heard and those whose hope and dreams are often ridiculed by those I call the naysayers, the cynics, and the keepers of the status quo. To all those people who hear “You can’t, you shouldn’t, you won’t.” I say, “You can, you should, you will.”

How did you “come out” and how has being gay affected your career?

I came out to myself in 1983 when I was a junior in college. It was a process of self-discovery...of self-definition. Ultimately, I chose to be completely honest with myself and with others.

When I came “out,” I searched for everything I could find to read that would give what I was going through some sort of social and historical context. I saw every movie (the few that there were). I think I watched “Before Stonewall” and “The Life & Times of Harvey Milk” at least a dozen times each.

I read about people like Elaine Noble, Harvey Milk, Del Martin and Phyllis Lyons and the Stonewall rioters and it made me so proud to be a part of this group of honest and courageous women and men. But it also made me angry, because in all my years in one of the best public school systems in the country and at one of its finest colleges, no one had ever uttered the words gay or lesbian in a class.

I’d gone through a public school system (as most in my generation had) that ignored the contributions of gays and lesbians – a system that never tried to make our nation’s and the world’s history whole and truthful by including our part in shaping it.

No role model had ever told me about the Daughters of Bilitis, the Mattachine Society or Stonewall, or any of the courageous leaders who shaped our movement or contributed their art, their science, their sweat, and their intellect to this world.

What was most troubling was the thought that in order to live my life and my dreams, I’d have to make a choice between pursuing a career in public service, perhaps running for office, and living my life in an open and honest way.

Many of us feel we face this choice. At the age of 24, I decided I didn’t have to make that choice...I could do both. I could run for office and I could be honest and out. It was a terrifying thought. And it ended up being one of the most freeing things I have ever done.

I honestly believe that the vast majority of voters care much more about my positions on the issues that affect their lives than on my sexual orientation. When I travel around the district, I talk about ensuring health care for all, preserving Social Security and Medicare, protecting our environment, and supporting quality public education. I believe that my commitment to those causes is what my constituents care most about.

But there was also, believe it or not, an advantage to being open and honest about who I am. In a world too full of half-truths and whole lies, those of us who are “out” are perceived as being honest --of having integrity.

When I ran for the Wisconsin Assembly in 1992, people told me time and time again that my integrity mattered. I remember being approached by a gentleman who I wouldn’t have picked to be a big supporter. But he got up to me and said, “Gosh, Lady, you’ve sure got guts. If you can be honest about that, you’ll probably be honest about everything.” I got his vote!

I know I will do more to disprove stereotypes about gays and lesbians if people in my district see me as the Congresswoman who’s fighting for health care for all...who happens to be a lesbian. Or the Representative who’s protecting family farms...who happens to be a woman. I can do as much to shatter myths and changes peoples’ hearts and minds by simply being honest, out and doing my job well!