Party of fiveBy Harriet Barovick
Lisa Graham Keegan, who has just begun her second term as
Arizona's superintendent of public instruction, decided to enter
politics when she was watching the impeachment and ouster of
Governor Evan Mecham. After she became education chief, in 1995,
Keegan battled with Governor--and soon to be convicted
felon--Fife Symington. When she suggested that he resign, a
Symington crony said she was having "a bad hair day." Last week
Keegan joined Governor Jane Hull, secretary of state Betsey
Bayless, treasurer Carol Springer and attorney general Janet
Napolitano (the lone Democrat) in the nation's first all-female
state administration. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day
O'Connor, who is from the state, swore in the "Fab Five," who
have captivated the national media. To Arizonans, having women
run things is no big deal. The candidates did not make gender an
issue; they simply defeated their male opponents. Hull, who took
over from Symington in 1995, is known for consensus building.
(Hello, Washington?) The five are following an Arizona
tradition. In 1914, before most American women had the right to
vote, Frances Munds and Rachel Berry were elected to the state
legislature. It's too soon to tell if the 1999 dream team is a
harbinger of a national trend. However, chauvinists beware.
--By
Harriet Barovick. Reported by Laura Laughlin/Phoenix
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Cover Date: January 18, 1999
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