Former (MO) Lt. Gov. Harriett Woods dies at 79 (the first woman elected to statewide office)

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/A75B194137E295468625727D004F7589?OpenDocument
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"In her public and private activities, Mrs. Woods accumulated a number of firsts: first female editor of her college newspaper, Missouri's first woman on the state Transportation Commission, first woman to serve as a major-party nominee for the U.S. Senate from Missouri."

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"In 1982, Mrs. Woods challenged Republican incumbent John C. Danforth for a U.S. Senate seat after winning the Democratic nomination against the party establishment's choice: outstate banker Burleigh Arnold.

Her candidacy became a cause for national and local women's rights groups — and abortion opponents who waged a high-profile effort against her. Mrs. Woods lost to Danforth by 27,500 votes out of 1.5 million cast.

She blamed, in part, the troubles female candidates faced in raising money. Mrs. Woods' loss helped lead to the creation of the national Emily's List, which helps bankroll female Democratic candidates."

brave lady.

Founded the same time as NOW, and devoted exclusively to recruiting, training and supporting pro-choice women for elected and appointed office regardless of party.

A very great lady. God rest you, Harriet.

Rest in peace, Harriet!