Congresswoman Jackie Speier Endorses Hillary Clinton for President [View All]

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Congresswoman Jackie Speier Endorses Hillary Clinton for President





Speier blasts Iraq war in first House speech

Speier blasts Iraq war in first House speech

Zachary Coile, Chronicle Washington Bureau

Friday, April 11, 2008
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., right, administers ... New Bay Area congresswoman Jackie Speier. Associated Pres...

(04-11) 04:00 PDT Washington --

- Newly elected Democratic Rep. Jackie Speier of Hillsborough was sworn into Congress Thursday morning and promptly gave a fiery speech criticizing the Iraq policies of President Bush and likely GOP presidential nominee Sen. John McCain, leading some Republicans to boo and walk out of the House chamber.

Speier, who won a special election Tuesday to finish the term of the late Rep. Tom Lantos, has always been an outspoken lawmaker in her years as a San Mateo County supervisor, state assemblywoman and state senator. She served notice Thursday that she plans be just as aggressive as a member of the House.

"The process to bring the troops home must begin immediately," Speier told a packed House presided over by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco. "The president wants to stay the course and a man who wants to replace him suggests we could be in Iraq for 100 years. But Madam Speaker, history will not judge us kindly if we sacrifice four generations of Americans because of the folly of one."

While Democrats applauded, Republicans began a chorus of low boos. Some Republicans who had congratulated her just moments before, including Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista (San Diego County), walked out of the hall in protest.

Speier's 13-year-old daughter, Stephanie, who was watching from the House gallery, asked, "Why are they booing my mom?"........


http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?o=1&f=/c/a/2008/04/11/BARA103CHG.DTL&type=printable

Congresswoman Jackie Speier today announced her endorsement of Hillary Clinton for President. Speier was sworn in less than week ago as the newest Member of Congress, filling the vacancy of California’s 12th Congressional District.

"Nothing makes me more proud than to announce my endorsement of Hillary Clinton for President," said Speier. "As a woman, a lawmaker and a mother, I understand what electing Hillary will mean for this country. She will not only bring an extraordinary grasp of the issues to the White House, but also a uniquely feminine skill set - consensus building, negotiation, and patience - that will serve our nation well. As President, Hillary will set an example for how to run a country with diplomacy and restraint."

"I am thrilled to have the support of the newest Member of Congress, Jackie Speier," said Clinton. "Jackie has been a force to be reckoned with in California politics for more than two decades, standing up for children, families, and consumers across the state. Congress is fortunate to have someone with her fortitude and vision, and I look forward to working with her as we bring real change to Washington."

A lifelong resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, Speier’s career began when she served as legal counsel to Congressman Leo J. Ryan. While accompanying Congressman Ryan to Jonestown, Guyana in 1978, the Congressman was assassinated and Jackie was shot five times. Speier credits that experience with inspiring her life in public service.

In 1980, Speier was the first woman and youngest person ever elected to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, where she served for six years. She followed that with 18 years in the California Legislature, where she received numerous awards including the American Medical Association’s "Outstanding Government Service Award" and the League of California Cities "Legislator of the Year."

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=7112