Nancy Pelosi
60th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
Incumbent
Assumed office  January 4, 2007
President	George W. Bush
Preceded by	Dennis Hastert
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 8th district
Incumbent
Assumed office  June 2, 1987
Preceded by	Sala Burton
20th Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives
In office January 3, 2003 – January 3, 2007
Deputy	Steny Hoyer (whip)
Preceded by	Dick Gephardt
Succeeded by	John Boehner
20th Minority Whip of the United States House of Representatives
In office 2002 – 2003
Leader	Dick Gephardt
Preceded by	David E. Bonior
Succeeded by	Steny Hoyer
Born	March 26, 1940 (age 68) Baltimore, Maryland
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Paul Pelosi
Residence	San Francisco, California
Alma mater	Trinity Washington University
Religion	Roman Catholic
Website	Speaker of the House

Nancy Patricia D'Alesandro Pelosi (born March 26, 1940) is the current, and first female, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. The Speaker of the United States House of Representatives is the presiding officer&mdashor speaker &mdashof the United States House of Representatives. Events 46 BC - Titus Labienus defeats Julius Caesar in the Battle of Ruspina. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. George Walker Bush ( born July 6 1946 is the forty-third and current President of the United States. See also Illinois's 14th congressional district special election 2008 John Dennis "Denny" Hastert (born January 2, 1942) is an The United States House of Representatives is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress; the other is the Senate. California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. California's 8th congressional district covers most of the City and County of San Francisco, California, USA, except for the south-western parts of Events 455 - The Vandals enter Rome, and plunder the city for two weeks Year 1987 ( MCMLXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar) Sala Burton ( April 1, 1925 – February 1, 1987) was a United States Representative from California. Party leaders of the United States House of Representatives are elected by their respective parties in a closed-door (private Caucus. Events 1431 - Joan of Arc is handed over to the Bishop Pierre Cauchon. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1431 - Joan of Arc is handed over to the Bishop Pierre Cauchon. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Steny Hamilton Hoyer (born June 14, 1939) is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Maryland's Richard Andrew "Dick" Gephardt (born January 31, 1941) is a former prominent American politician of the Democratic Party. John Andrew Boehner ˈbeɪnɚ born November 17, 1949, is an American politician of the Republican Party who is currently serving as the A whip in the United States House of Representatives is a member of the party leadership who comes second in line after the party's Floor leader, which See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Richard Andrew "Dick" Gephardt (born January 31, 1941) is a former prominent American politician of the Democratic Party. David Edward Bonior (born June 6, 1945) is an American politician from the U Steny Hamilton Hoyer (born June 14, 1939) is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Maryland's Events 1026 - Pope John XIX crowns Conrad II as Holy Roman Emperor. Year 1940 ( MCMXL) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Democratic Party is one of two major Political parties in the United States, the other being the Republican Party. The City and County of San Francisco is the fourth most populous city Alma mater is Latin for "nourishing mother" It was used in Ancient Rome as a title for the mother Goddess, and in Medieval Trinity Washington University, founded in 1897 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, is a Roman Catholic University located in Events 1026 - Pope John XIX crowns Conrad II as Holy Roman Emperor. Year 1940 ( MCMXL) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Speaker of the United States House of Representatives is the presiding officer&mdashor speaker &mdashof the United States House of Representatives. Before being elected Speaker in the 110th Congress, she was the House Minority Leader from 2002 to 2007, holding the post during the 107th, 108th, and 109th Congresses. Party leaders of the United States House of Representatives are elected by their respective parties in a closed-door (private Caucus.

Since 1987, she has represented the 8th Congressional District of California, which consists of four-fifths of the City and County of San Francisco. California's 8th congressional district covers most of the City and County of San Francisco, California, USA, except for the south-western parts of California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. The City and County of San Francisco is the fourth most populous city The district was numbered as the 5th during Pelosi's first three terms in the House.

With her election as Speaker, she is the first woman, the first Californian, and the first Italian-American to hold the Speakership. An Italian American is an American of Italian descent and/or dual citizenship She is the second Speaker from a state west of the Rocky Mountains, with the first being Washington's Tom Foley, who was the last Democrat to hold the post before Pelosi. Mountain peaks of the Rocky Mountains The Rocky Mountains, often called the Rockies, are a Mountain range in western North America. Washington ( is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Thomas Stephen Foley (born March 26, 1929 in Spokane Washington) is an American politician of the Democratic Party As Speaker of the House, Pelosi ranks second in the line of presidential succession, following Vice President Dick Cheney. The presidential line of succession defines who may become or act as President of the United States upon the incapacity death resignation or removal from office (by Impeachment Richard Bruce "Dick" Cheney (born January 30 1941 is the forty-sixth and current Vice President of the United States.

Early life and career

Pelosi was born to Italian-American parents in Baltimore, Maryland. ^[1] The youngest of six children, she was involved with politics from an early age. Politics Politics is the process by which groups of people make decisions Her father, Thomas D'Alesandro, Jr., was a U. Thomas D'Alesandro Jr ( August 1, 1903 &ndash August 23, 1987) was an American Politician who was a U S. Congressman from Maryland and a Mayor of Baltimore. Her mother, Anunciata, was born in Italy and emigrated to the U. Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest S. in 1911. ^[2] Thomas L. J. D'Alesandro III, one of her five brothers, also served as Mayor of Baltimore from 1967 to 1971. Thomas D'Alesandro III (b July 24, 1929) is a former Democratic Mayor of Baltimore.

Pelosi graduated from Baltimore's Institute of Notre Dame high school and from Trinity College (now Trinity Washington University) in Washington, D.C. in 1962. For schools of the same name see Notre Dame High School. Background The Institute of Notre Dame is a private Catholic all-girls high school located Trinity Washington University, founded in 1897 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, is a Roman Catholic University located in Washington DC ( formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, the District, or simply D Pelosi interned for Senator Daniel Brewster (D-Maryland) alongside future House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. Daniel Baugh Brewster ( November 23, 1923 &ndash August 19, 2007) was a Democratic member of the United States Senate, Steny Hamilton Hoyer (born June 14, 1939) is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Maryland's ^[3] She met Paul Frank Pelosi (b. April 15, 1940 in San Francisco, California)^[4] while she was attending Trinity College, and they both took a summer school class at Georgetown University called "The History of Africa, South of the Sahara. Events 1450 - Battle of Formigny: Toward the end of the Hundred Years' War, the French attack and nearly annihilate English Year 1940 ( MCMXL) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The City and County of San Francisco is the fourth most populous city Georgetown University is a Jesuit Private university located in Georgetown Washington D "(http://www.house.gov/pelosi/prGeorgetown051802.htm) They married in a Catholic Church on September 7, 1963. Events 1251 BC - A Solar eclipse on this date might mark the birth of legendary Heracles at Thebes Greece. Year 1963 ( MCMLXIII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. After the couple married they moved to New York, and then to San Francisco in 1969, where his brother, Ronald Pelosi was a member of the City and County of San Francisco's Board of Supervisors (San Francisco has a united city and county government). Ronald Pelosi is the Brother-in-law of Speaker of the U S House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. The City and County of San Francisco is the fourth most populous city The Board of Supervisors is the body governing Counties in the U ^[5]

After moving to San Francisco, Pelosi worked her way up in Democratic politics. She was elected as party chairwoman for Northern California on January 30, 1977. Events 1648 - Eighty Years' War: The Treaty of Münster is signed ending the conflict between the Netherlands and Spain Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays She later joined forces with one of the leaders of the California Democratic Party, 5th District Congressman Phillip Burton. For the Human Nature bandmate see Human Nature (band. Phillip Burton ( June 1 1926 – April 10 And in 1987, after her youngest child became a high school senior, she decided to run for political office.

Pelosi is an honorary board member of the National Organization of Italian American Women. The National Organization of Italian American Women (NOIAW is an American Sisterhood group founded in 1980 to represent Italian American women

Family

Pelosi has five children: Nancy Corinne, Christine, Jacqueline, Paul, and Alexandra, as well as seven grandchildren. Christine Paule Pelosi (born 1966) is the daughter of Nancy Pelosi and the author of Campaign Boot Camp (2007 a guide to successful campaigning Alexandra C Pelosi (born on October 5 1970 in San Francisco California) is a journalist documentary filmmaker and writer based in New York Alexandra, a journalist, covered the Republican presidential campaigns in 2000 and made a film about the experience, Journeys with George. Journeys with George is a documentary by Alexandra Pelosi and Aaron Lubarsky that follows George W She also wrote a book on coverage of the 2004 campaigns.

Financial status

The Pelosi family has a net worth of over US$25 million, primarily from investments. The United States dollar ( sign: $; code: USD) is the unit of Currency of the United States; it has also been In addition to their large portfolio of jointly owned San Francisco Bay Area real estate, she also has millions of dollars in stock from publicly traded companies such as Microsoft, Amazon.com and AT&T. In finance a portfolio is an appropriate mix of or collection of investments held by an institution or a private individual The San Francisco Bay Area, commonly known as the Bay Area, or the Bay, is a geographically and ethnically diverse metropolitan region that surrounds the Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational Computer technology Corporation, which rose to dominate the Home computer Amazoncom Inc ( is an American electronic commerce ( E-commerce) company in Seattle Washington. Before proposing a merge request please see Talk and see if the merger you propose has recently been made and In 2003, the Pelosi family sold their eight-acre (three hectare) Rutherford vineyard. Explanation The hectare is commonly used in most countries around the world especially in domains concerned with land planning and management such as Agriculture, Rutherford is an Unincorporated community in Napa County, California, United States. Pelosi continues to be among the richest members of Congress. ^[6]

Congressional career

Nancy Pelosi with one of her predecessors, the late House Speaker Tip O'Neill

Phillip Burton died in 1983 and was succeeded by his wife, Sala. Thomas Phillip "Tip" O'Neill Jr ( December 9, 1912 &ndash January 5, 1994) was an American politician. Sala Burton ( April 1, 1925 – February 1, 1987) was a United States Representative from California. In late 1986, Sala became ill with cancer and decided not to run for reelection in 1988. Cancer (medical term Malignant Neoplasm) is a class of Diseases in which a group of cells display uncontrolled She picked Pelosi as her designated successor, guaranteeing her the support of the Burtons' contacts. ^[7] Sala died on February 1, 1987, just a month after being sworn in for a second full term. Events 1327 - Teenaged Edward III is crowned King of England, but the country is ruled by his mother Queen Year 1987 ( MCMLXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar) Pelosi won the special election to succeed her, narrowly defeating San Francisco Supervisor Harry Britt, and took office on June 2, 1987. Harry Britt is a Gay political activist and former Supervisor for San Francisco California. Events 455 - The Vandals enter Rome, and plunder the city for two weeks Year 1987 ( MCMLXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar)

Pelosi represents one of the safest Democratic districts in the country. Democrats have held the seat since 1949, and Republicans, who currently make up only 13 percent of registered voters in the district, have not made a serious bid for the seat since the early 1960s. Pelosi has kept this tradition going. Since her initial victory in 1987, she has been re-elected 10 times, receiving at least 75% of the vote. She has never participated in candidates' debates. ^[8]

In the House, she served on the Appropriations and Intelligence Committees, and was the ranking Democrat on the Intelligence Committee for two years. The Committee on Appropriations is a committee of the United States House of Representatives. The United States House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence is a committee of the United States House of Representatives, currently chaired by Silvestre

Pelosi swears in Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota for the 110th Congress

Democratic Party leadership

In 2001, Pelosi was elected the House Minority Whip, second-in-command to Minority Leader Dick Gephardt of Missouri. Keith Maurice Ellison (born August 4, 1963) is an American Lawyer and Politician belonging to the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Minnesota ( Native Americans demonstrated the name to early settlers A whip in the United States House of Representatives is a member of the party leadership who comes second in line after the party's Floor leader, which Richard Andrew "Dick" Gephardt (born January 31, 1941) is a former prominent American politician of the Democratic Party. Missouri ( or) is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee She was the first woman in U. S. history to hold that position. Since then, she has campaigned for candidates in 30 states and in 90 Congressional districts, making her a vital factor for the Democratic Party.

In 2002, after Gephardt resigned as minority leader to seek the Democratic nomination in the 2004 presidential election, Pelosi was elected to replace him, becoming the first woman to lead a minority and major party in the House. The United States presidential election of 2004 was held on Tuesday November 2, 2004, to elect the President of the United States.

Pelosi and House Minority Whip (now Majority Leader) Steny Hoyer meeting with President George W. Bush on November 9, 2006

Blocking of impeachment proceedings against Bush

In the wake of George W. A whip in the United States House of Representatives is a member of the party leadership who comes second in line after the party's Floor leader, which Steny Hamilton Hoyer (born June 14, 1939) is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Maryland's The President of the United States is the Head of state and Head of government of the United States and is the highest political official in United States by George Walker Bush ( born July 6 1946 is the forty-third and current President of the United States. Events 694 - Egica, a king of the Visigoths of Hispania, accuses Jews of aiding Muslims sentencing all Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Bush's reelection in 2004, several leading House Democrats, including John Conyers of Michigan (then the ranking Democrat, and now the chairman, of the House Judiciary Committee) believed that Democrats should pursue impeachment proceedings against the president. John Conyers Jr (born May 16, 1929) is a member of the United States House of Representatives representing Michigan's 14th congressional district Michigan ( is a Midwestern state of the United States of America. United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary US House Committee on the Judiciary, or (more commonly the House Judiciary Committee, is a Standing committee of The movement to impeach George W Bush is a series of actions and commentary within the public and private spheres voicing support for the impeachment of They asserted that Bush had misled Congress about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, and had violated the civil liberties of Americans by authorizing wiretaps without a warrant. A weapon of mass destruction ( WMD) is a weapon which can kill large numbers of humans and/or cause great damage to man-made structures (e For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Iraq topics. The NSA warrantless surveillance controversy concerns Surveillance of persons within the United States incident to the collection of Foreign intelligence by the

In May 2006, with an eye on the upcoming Congressional elections — which offered the possibility of Democrats taking back control of the House for the first time since 1994 — Pelosi told colleagues that, while the Democrats would conduct vigorous oversight of Bush administration policy, an impeachment investigation was "off the table. " (A week earlier, she had told the Washington Post that, although Democrats would not set out to impeach the president, "you never know where" investigations might lead. The Washington Post is the largest and most circulated Newspaper in Washington D )^[9]

Since becoming Speaker of the House in January 2007, Pelosi has held firm against impeachment, notwithstanding strong support for that course of action among constituents in her home district. In early July 2007, antiwar activist Cindy Sheehan announced that unless Pelosi moved to impeach Bush by July 23, Sheehan would run against Pelosi as an independent candidate in the 2008 election. The term anti-war usually refers to the opposition to a particular nation's decision to start or carry on an armed conflict unconditional of a maybe-existing just cause. Events 1632 - Three hundred colonists bound for New France depart from Dieppe France. ^[10]

Speaker of the House

Nancy Pelosi

Democratic nomination and election as Speaker

On November 16, 2006, Pelosi was unanimously chosen as the Democratic candidate for Speaker, effectively making her Speaker-elect. Events 534 - A second and final revision of the Codex Justinianus is published Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. While the Speaker is elected by the full House membership, in modern practice the election is a formality, since the Speaker always comes from the majority party.

Pelosi supported her longtime friend,^[11] John Murtha of Pennsylvania for the position of House Majority Leader, the second-ranking post in the House Democratic caucus. John Patrick “Jack” Murtha Jr (born 17 June 1932 is an American politician from the U The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ( often colloquially referred to as PA (its abbreviation by natives and Northeasterners is a state located in the Northeastern Party leaders of the United States House of Representatives are elected by their respective parties in a closed-door (private Caucus. His competitor was House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland, who had been Pelosi's second-in-command since 2003. A whip in the United States House of Representatives is a member of the party leadership who comes second in line after the party's Floor leader, which Steny Hamilton Hoyer (born June 14, 1939) is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Maryland's Pelosi and Hoyer had a somewhat frosty relationship dating back to 2001, when they ran against each other for minority whip. However, Hoyer was elected as House Majority Leader over Murtha by a margin of 149-86 within the caucus. ^[12]

On January 3, Pelosi defeated Republican John Boehner of Ohio with 233 votes compared to his 202 votes in the election for Speaker of the House. John Andrew Boehner ˈbeɪnɚ born November 17, 1949, is an American politician of the Republican Party who is currently serving as the Ohio ( is a Midwestern state of the United States. As part of the Great Lakes region, Ohio has long been a cultural and geographical crossroads ^[13] She was nominated by Rahm Emmanuel of Illinois, the incoming chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, and sworn in by her longtime friend, John Dingell of Michigan. Rahm Emanuel (born November 29 1959) is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives since 2003 representing, which The State of Illinois ( roughly ill-i-NOY is a state of the United States of America, the 21st to be admitted to the Union. John David Dingell Jr (born in Colorado Springs Colorado, July 8, 1926) is a Democratic United States Representative from Michigan ( is a Midwestern state of the United States of America. Dingell, as the longest-serving member of the House, traditionally swears in the Speaker.

Pelosi (right) with Vice President Dick Cheney behind President George W. Richard Bruce "Dick" Cheney (born January 30 1941 is the forty-sixth and current Vice President of the United States. Bush at the 2007 State of the Union Address making history as the first woman to sit behind the podium at such an address. The 2007 State of the Union Address was a speech given by United States President George W President Bush acknowledged this by beginning his speech with the words, "Tonight, I have a high privilege and distinct honor of my own — as the first President to begin the State of the Union message with these words: Madam Speaker. "^[14]

With her election, Pelosi became the first woman, the first Californian and the first Italian-American to hold the Speakership. She is also the second Speaker from a state west of the Rocky Mountains. Mountain peaks of the Rocky Mountains The Rocky Mountains, often called the Rockies, are a Mountain range in western North America. The first was Washington's Tom Foley, the last Democrat to hold the post before Pelosi. Washington ( is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Thomas Stephen Foley (born March 26, 1929 in Spokane Washington) is an American politician of the Democratic Party

In her speech to Congress she stated:

"I accept this gavel in the spirit of partnership, not partisanship, and look forward to working with you on behalf of the American people. In this House, we may belong to different parties, but we serve one country. "^[15]

During her speech, she discussed the historical importance of being the first female to hold the Speaker's position:

"This is a historic moment — for the Congress, and for the women of this country. It is a moment for which we have waited more than 200 years. Never losing faith, we waited through the many years of struggle to achieve our rights. But women weren't just waiting; women were working. Never losing faith, we worked to redeem the promise of America, that all men and women are created equal. For our daughters and granddaughters, today, we have broken the marble ceiling. The term glass ceiling' refers to situations where the advancement of a qualified person within the hierarchy of an organization is stopped at a lower level because of some form of For our daughters and our granddaughters, the sky is the limit, anything is possible for them. "^[15]

She also spoke on Iraq as the major issue facing the 110th Congress while incorporating some Democratic Party beliefs:

"The election of 2006 was a call to change — not merely to change the control of Congress, but for a new direction for our country. Nowhere were the American people more clear about the need for a new direction than in Iraq. The American people rejected an open-ended obligation to a war without end. "^[15]

As Speaker, Pelosi is still the leader of the House Democrats. However, by tradition, she does not normally participate in debate (though she has the right to do so), and almost never votes on the floor. She is also not a member of any House committees.

Since being elected Speaker, the approval rating of the divided Congress has dropped to a historic low of less than 20% due primarily to public frustration over Congress' inability to affect Bush's Iraq policy. ^[16] Individually, the approval rating of Republicans in Congress is 36%, while the approval rating of Democrats is at 44%. ^[16][17] Pelosi has also come under fire from Democratic activists for not being aggressive enough in confronting Bush, despite the president's low approval ratings.

The "Hundred Hours"

Main article: 100-Hour Plan

Prior to the U. S. 2006 midterm elections, Pelosi announced a plan for action: If elected, she and the newly-empowered Democratic caucus would push through most of its program during the first hundred hours of the 110th Congress' term. The 2006 United States midterm elections were held on Tuesday November 7 2006. ^[18] Later she said this referred to business hours rather than clock time, and began on the Tuesday (January 9, 2007) after the swearing-in ceremony on January 4th.

The origin for the name "first hundred hours" is a play on words derived from former Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt's promise for quick action on the part of government (to combat the Great Depression) during his "first hundred days" in office. The President of the United States is the Head of state and Head of government of the United States and is the highest political official in United States by The New Deal was the name that United States President Franklin D Newt Gingrich, the former Republican Speaker, had a similar 100-day agenda to implement the Contract with America. Newton "Newt" Leroy Gingrich, (born Newton Leroy McPherson on June 17, 1943) is an American politician and author who served as the Speaker The Contract with America was a document released by the United States Republican Party during the 1994 Congressional election campaign

Pelosi with President Bush, March 29, 2007

Opposition to Iraq War troop surge of 2007

Main article: Iraq War troop surge of 2007

On January 5, 2007 reacting to suggestions from President Bush’s confidantes that he would increase troop levels in Iraq (which he announced in a speech a few days later) Pelosi joined with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to condemn the plan. Events 1461 - Wars of the Roses: Battle of Towton - Edward of York defeats Queen Margaret to become King Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The surge is a phrase commonly used to describe United States President George W Harry Mason Reid (born December 2 1939 is the senior United States Senator from Nevada and a member of the Democratic Party, as well as They sent Bush a letter saying, “there is no purely military solution in Iraq. There is only a political solution. Adding more combat troops will only endanger more Americans and stretch our military to the breaking point for no strategic gain. Rather than deploy additional forces to Iraq, we believe the way forward is to begin the phased redeployment of our forces in the next four to six months, while shifting the principal mission of our forces there from combat to training, logistics, force protection and counter-terror. ”^[19]

2008 Democratic National Convention

Speaker Pelosi has been named Permanent Chair of the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. Schedule for the 2008 Democratic National Convention|Democratic Party (United States presidential candidates 2008|Democratic Party (United States presidential primaries 2008The 2008 Democratic The City and County of Denver (pronounced /ˈdɛnvɚ/ is the Capital and the most populous city of Colorado, in the United States ^[20]

Foreign policy

Pelosi (right) with House Minority Leader John Boehner (left) and President Bush (center), March 29, 2007

2007 trip to Israel and Syria

Pelosi was one of seven American lawmakers to participate in a 2007 Mideast tour — with Keith Ellison (D-MN), Henry Waxman (D-CA), Tom Lantos (D-CA), Louise Slaughter (D-NY), Nick Rahall (D-WV), and David Hobson (R-OH) — that included stops in Israel, Syria,^[21] the Palestinian territories, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. Party leaders of the United States House of Representatives are elected by their respective parties in a closed-door (private Caucus. John Andrew Boehner ˈbeɪnɚ born November 17, 1949, is an American politician of the Republican Party who is currently serving as the Events 1461 - Wars of the Roses: Battle of Towton - Edward of York defeats Queen Margaret to become King Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Keith Maurice Ellison (born August 4, 1963) is an American Lawyer and Politician belonging to the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Henry Arnold Waxman (born September 12, 1939 in Los Angeles California) is an American politician. Thomas Peter Lantos ( February 1 1928 – February 11 2008) was a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives Louise McIntosh Slaughter (born August 14, 1929) is an American Democratic Party Politician, currently representing New Nick Joe Rahall II (born May 20, 1949) American politician of Lebanese descent has been a Democratic member of the United David Lee Hobson (born October 17, 1936) is an American politician of the Republican Party who serves as a U For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Israel topics. Syria ( سوريّة or) officially the Syrian Arab Republic (Arabic ar الجمهورية العربية السورية Name There are differences of opinion as to what the Palestinian territories should be called Lebanon (ˈlɛbənɒn Arabic: ar لبنان Lubnān) officially the Republic of Lebanon or Lebanese Republic (ar الجمهورية اللبنانية The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KSA ( المملكة العربية السعودية, al-Mamlaka al-ʻArabiyya as-Suʻūdiyya) or Suudi Three Republican congressmen — Frank Wolf, Joe Pitts and Robert Aderholt — met with Syrian President Bashar Assad earlier. Frank Rudolph Wolf (born January 30, 1939) is a career politician and a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since Joseph R "Joe" Pitts (b October 10, 1939) is a Republican Congressman for the state of Pennsylvania, currently representing Robert Brown Aderholt (born July 22 1965 is an American politician and a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since 1997 Dr Bashar al-Assad (بشار الأسد) (born 11 September, 1965) is the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Regional Secretary Pelosi had the opportunity to address the Israeli Knesset where she expressed concern "that the new (Hamas-Fatah) Palestinian government, some of the people in the government, continue to remain committed to the existence of Israel. For Beit Knesset a Jewish Place of worship, see Synagogue. The Knesset (כנסת lit " An Israeli spokeswoman said Pelosi would convey "that Israel is willing to talk if they (Syria) would openly take steps to stop supporting terrorism" in order to be "a partner for negotiations. " The delegation talked "extensively" with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert about a relaunched 2002 Saudi peace plan with Israel, which Olmert welcomed as a "new way of thinking, the willingness to recognize Israel as an established fact and to debate the conditions of the future solution," but expressed reservations over the plan and invited Arab leaders to discuss them. Ehud Olmert (אהוד אולמרט ɛˈhud ˈolmeʁt born September 30, 1945) is the 12th and current Prime Minister of Israel and the former leader The delegation met with the families of the three kidnapped Israeli soldiers during the visit and Pelosi said she planned to raise the issue when she met with Assad.

At a press conference after her meeting with Assad, Pelosi said that she had conveyed a message from Olmert to Syrian President Assad saying that Olmert was ready to negotiate for peace. Olmert's office later clarified what he had actually told Pelosi, saying that "although Israel is interested in peace with Syria, that country continues to be part of the axis of evil and a force that encourages terror in the entire Middle East. "^[22] Sources at the Israeli Prime Minister's Office at the time said that, "Pelosi took part of the things that were said in the meeting, and used what suited her. "^[23]

The Bush Administration disapproves of Syria's backing of Hamas and Hezbollah and says Syria is destabilizing Lebanon's government as well as fueling Iraq's violence by allowing Sunni insurgents to operate from its territory. Lebanon (ˈlɛbənɒn Arabic: ar لبنان Lubnān) officially the Republic of Lebanon or Lebanese Republic (ar الجمهورية اللبنانية Syrian officials have been implicated in the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese premier Rafik Hariri in Beirut, and the U. Beirut (بيروت Bayrūt) is the Capital and Largest city of Lebanon with a population of over 2 S. subsequently withdrew its ambassador. Pelosi still holds out hope for a peaceful solution, stating that "the road to Damascus is a road to peace. "^[24]

Later, in Saudi Arabia, Pelosi met with King Abdullah. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KSA ( المملكة العربية السعودية, al-Mamlaka al-ʻArabiyya as-Suʻūdiyya) or Suudi Khaled bin Abdullah Mutaib bin Abdullah Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah Faisal bin Abdullah Pelosi visited the Shura Council, the kingdom's unelected advisory council, and raised the issue of Saudi Arabia's lack of female politicians with Saudi officials. ^[25]

China

On March 21, 2008, Pelosi criticized China for its handling of the unrest in Tibet and called on "freedom-loving people" worldwide to denounce China. Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National The 2008 Tibetan unrest, also known as the 3•14 Riots in China began with demonstrations on March 10, 2008 ( Tibetan Uprising Day ^[26] She was quoted as saying, "The situation in Tibet is a challenge to the conscience of the world", while addressing a crowd of thousands of Tibetans in Dharmsala, India. ^[26] She however did not call for an Olympic boycott. ^[27]

Colombia

Pelosi publicly scolded Colombian President Alvaro Uribe during Uribe's May 2007 state trip to America. Álvaro Uribe Vélez ('alβ̞aɾo u'ɾiβ̞e 'β̞eles born July 4 1952 in Medellín) is a Colombian politician and lawyer who is currently the 39th President Rather than meet with Uribe, Pelosi released a statement that "expressed growing concerns about the serious allegations" between Paramilitary groups and Colombian government officials. A paramilitary is a force whose function and organization are similar to those of a professional military force but which are not regarded as having the same status ^[28] Pelosi also came out against the Colombian free trade agreement. ^[29]

Pelosi with former Vice President Al Gore, March 21, 2007

Cuba

Pelosi voted in favor of keeping the travel restrictions on American citizens to Cuba, until the President has certified that Cuba has released all political prisoners, and extradited all individuals sought by the U. The Vice President of the United States is the first person in the presidential line of succession, becoming the new President of the United States upon the death Albert Arnold Gore Jr (born March 31 1948 is an American environmental Activist, author Businessperson, former Politician, and former Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. A political prisoner is someone held in Prison or otherwise detained perhaps under House arrest, for his or her involvement in political activity S. on charges of air piracy, drug trafficking and murder. The illegal drug trade or drug trafficking is a global Black market consisting of the cultivation manufacture distribution and sale of illegal Drugs ^[30]

North Korea

Pelosi discussed North Korea's missile launches with the following: "North Korea is moving outside the circle of acceptable behavior and is threatening the region, the United States, and the world. We must use every possible tool to stop North Korea’s unacceptable, provocative actions including six party, multilateral, and bilateral diplomatic negotiations. "^[31]

Turkey

In mid-October 2007, after the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed a resolution to label the 1915 killing of Armenians by Ottoman Turks as genocide, Pelosi pledged to bring the measure to a vote. ^[32] The draft resolution prompted warnings from President Bush and fierce criticism from Turkey, with Turkey's prime minister saying that approval of the resolution would endanger U. S. -Turkey relations. ^[33] After House support eroded, the measure's sponsors dropped their call for a vote, and in late October Pelosi agreed to set the matter aside. ^[34]

Political positions and voting record

Pelosi (L) and President Bush (R) with Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern (C) in March 2007

Pelosi is regarded as a liberal, in part because she represents most of San Francisco, well known for its tradition of left-leaning politics. George Walker Bush ( born July 6 1946 is the forty-third and current President of the United States. Ireland ( Irish: Éire, ˈeːrʲə is a country in north-western Europe. The Taoiseach (ˈtiːʃəx in English t̪ˠiːʃʲəx (plural Taoisigh ( or) in Irish) also referred to as An Taoiseach ( t̪ˠiːʃʲəx is the the Patrick Bartholomew "Bertie" Ahern ( Irish: Pádraig Parthalán Ó hEachthairn, born 12 September 1951 is an Irish politician who served Liberalism in the United States is a broad political and philosophical mindset favoring individual Liberty, and opposing restrictions on liberty whether they come from She consistently receives high ratings from liberal lobbying groups such as Americans for Democratic Action and People for the American Way,^[35] and she has a lifetime rating of 3 from the right-leaning American Conservative Union. Americans for Democratic Action ( ADA) is an American political organization advocating liberal policies. People For the American Way (People For is a progressive, politically liberal Advocacy organization in the United States. The American Conservative Union ( ACU) is an American political organization advocating conservative policies. ^[36] During the 2004 and 2006 election cycles, Republicans frequently used the prospect of a "San Francisco liberal" or "Bay Area liberal" becoming Speaker as a tool to win votes, especially in the South. San Francisco values is a pejorative term used to refer to the cultural social and moral attributes commonly associated with the city of San Francisco California in the She was a founding member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, but left in 2003 after being elected Minority Leader. The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC is the single largest partisan caucus in the United States House of Representatives, and works together to advance She felt that it would be inappropriate for her to be a member of any caucuses.

Among Pelosi's Democratic colleagues, she is considered to be far less liberal than portrayed. Her longtime friend, Jim McDermott of Washington, told Newsweek that he and other left-leaning Democratic congressmen sometimes wish that "she would tilt a little more our way from time to time. For the illustrator see Jim McDermott (illustrator. James Adelbert "Jim" McDermott (born December 28 1936 Newsweek is an American weekly Newsmagazine published in New York City. " During the 2006 campaign, corporate consultants suggested that the Democrats portray themselves as a party that governed for all. As Speaker, Pelosi has tried to focus more on economic than social issues. ^[37]

In San Francisco, Pelosi is sometimes seen as being a moderate or even a conservative rather than a liberal, which has led to some conflicts with her constituents, particularly with anti-war activists. ^[38][39] Nonetheless, she has never faced a serious challenger in the Democratic primary.

Abortion

Pelosi supports the legality of abortion. She voted against the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 and earlier attempts at similar bans. The Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act (Public Law 108-105 HR 760 S 3 18 U ^[40] She voted in favor of the 1998 Abortion Funding Amendment, which allowed the use of district funds to promote abortion-related activities. ^[40] She has also voted in favor of using federal funds to perform abortions in overseas military facilities, against parental notification when a minor is transported across state lines for an abortion, and in favor of providing funding for organizations working overseas that promote or perform abortions and abortion-related activities. ^[40]

Budget and taxes

Pelosi has been an advocate for a balanced budget, though she voted against the 1995 Balanced Budget Proposed Constitutional Amendment, which was passed by the House by a 300-132 vote, but in the Senate fell two votes short of the 2/3 supermajority required (with 65 out of 100 Senators voting in favor). The Balanced Budget Amendment is any one of various proposed amendments to the United States Constitution which would require a balance in the projected Revenues ^[41]

Civil liberties

The ACLU's Congressional Scorecard has given Pelosi a lifetime rating of 93% for her voting record on civil liberties. The American Civil Liberties Union ( ACLU) consists of two separate Non-profit organizations the ACLU Foundation a 501(c(3 organization which focuses ^[42] In 2001, she voted in favor of the USA Patriot Act but voted against reauthorization of certain provisions in 2005. The USA PATRIOT Act, commonly known as the Patriot Act, is a controversial Act of Congress that U ^[43] She voted against a Constitutional amendment banning flag-burning^[44] and against a Congressional resolution supporting the display of the Ten Commandments in courtrooms. The Ten Commandments, or Decalogue, are a list of religious and moral imperatives that according to Judeo-Christian tradition were authored by God and given ^[45]

Education

Pelosi voted for the No Child Left Behind Act, which instituted testing to track students' progress and authorized an increase in overall education spending. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-110 often abbreviated in print as NCLB and sometimes shortened in pronunciation to "nickelbee" is a controversial ^[46]

Environment and energy

Pelosi has supported the development of new technologies to reduce U. S. dependence upon foreign oil and ameliorate the adverse environmental effects of burning fossil fuels. ^[47] Pelosi has widely supported conservation programs and energy research appropriations. She has also voted to remove an amendment that would allow for oil and gas exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge ( ANWR) is a National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern Alaska. ^[48]

Gun control

Pelosi is strongly pro-gun control. In particular, she believes that gun manufacturers should be held responsible for the (mis)use of guns. The NRA has given her an F rating, indicating a strongly anti-gun stance. The National Rifle Association, or NRA, is a non-profit ( 501(c(4) group dedicated to the protection of the Second Amendment of the ^[49]

Health care

Speaker Pelosi has voted to increase Medicare and Medicaid benefits. This article refers to Medicare, a United States health insurance program Medicaid is the United States health program for eligible individuals and families with low incomes and resources ^[50]

Pelosi at San Francisco's 2006 Chinese New Year Festival and Parade

Immigration

Pelosi has been a supporter of rights for immigrants in the U. Chinese New Year is the most important of the Traditional Chinese holidays. Immigration refers to the movement of people among countries While the movement of people has existed throughout human history at various levels modern immigration implies long-term S. ^[51] She voted against the Secure Fence Act of 2006. The Secure Fence Act of 2006 ( was enacted October 26[[ 006]] in the United States. ^[52]

Iraq War

In 2002, Pelosi opposed the Iraq Resolution authorizing President Bush to use military force against Iraq,^[53] while stating that Iraq, like "other countries of concern", had WMD. " Iraq Resolution " and " Iraq War Resolution " are popular names for the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 ^[54] In explaining her opposition to the resolution, Pelosi noted that Central Intelligence Agency Director George Tenet had told Congress that the likelihood of Iraq's Saddam Hussein launching an attack on the U. near as long as it used to be several months ago It has been actively summarized and split into sub-articles and there is a dynamic talk page discussion of all George John Tenet (born January 5, 1953) was the Director of Central Intelligence for the United States Central Intelligence Agency Saddam Hussein Abd al-Majid al-Tikriti ( Arabic: ar صدام حسين عبد المجيد التكريتي --> April 28 1937 &ndash December 30 S. using weapons of mass destruction was low. "This is about the Constitution," Pelosi said. "It is about this Congress asserting its right to declare war when we are fully aware what the challenges are to us. It is about respecting the United Nations and a multilateral approach, which is safer for our troops. The United Nations ( UN) is an International organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in International law, International security "

LGBT issues

Pelosi received a 100% rating from the Human Rights Campaign for the 107th,108th, and 109th sessions of Congress, indicating that she voted in agreement with HRC's slate of pro-gay legislative issues. The United States Congress is the bicameral Legislature of the federal government of the United States of America, consisting of two houses ^[55] In 1996 she voted against the Defense of Marriage Act,^[56] and in 2004 and 2006, she voted against the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment, which would amend the United States Constitution to define marriage federally as being between one man and one woman, thereby overriding states' individual rights to legalize gay marriage. The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, is the short title of a Federal law of the United States passed on September 21 1996 as Public Law No The Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA (also referred to by proponents as the Marriage Protection Amendment) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution The Constitution of the United States of America is the supreme Law of the United States. Same-sex marriage (also referred to as gay marriage) is a term for a legally or Socially recognized Marriage between two people of the same ^[57][58]. When the Supreme Court of California overturned the states ban on same-sex marriage, Pelosi released a statement welcoming the "historic decision" and encouraged "California citizens to respect the Court’s decision, and I continue to strongly oppose any ballot measure that would write discrimination into the State Constitution". The Supreme Court of California is the State supreme court in California. For eight years California’s 2000 ballot initiative Proposition 22 (or Prop 22) prevented California from recognizing Same-sex marriages Voters This referred to the Limit on Marriage Amendment initiative which seeks to put a measure on the 2008 General Election ballot to define marriage as between a man and a woman in the state of California. The United States presidential election of 2008, scheduled for Tuesday November 4 2008 will be the 56th consecutive ^[59]

Lobbyist guidelines and ethics issues

Pelosi introduced the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act to Congress. The Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 ( is a law of the United States federal government that amended parts of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995

Middle East conflict

Pelosi reaffirms that "America and Israel share an unbreakable bond: in peace and war; and in prosperity and in hardship. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Israel topics. "^[60] Pelosi emphasized that "a strong relationship between the United States and Israel has long been supported by both Democrats and Republicans. America's commitment to the safety and security of the State of Israel is unwavering,. . . [h]owever, the war in Iraq has made both America and Israel less safe. The Iraq War, also known as the Second Gulf War, the Occupation of Iraq, or the War in Iraq, is an ongoing Military campaign " Pelosi's voting record shows consistent support for Israel. Prior to 2006 elections in the Palestinian Authority, she voted for a Congressional initiative disapproving of participation in the elections by Hamas and other organizations defined as terrorist by the legislation. Ḥamas (ar حركة حماس acronym ar حركة المقاومة She agrees with the current U. S. stance in support of land-for-peace. She has applauded Israeli "hopeful signs" of offering land, while criticizing Palestinian "threats" of not demonstrating peace in turn. She states, "If the Palestinians agree to coordinate with Israel on the evacuation, establish the rule of law, and demonstrate a capacity to govern, the world may be convinced that finally there is a real partner for peace. "^[60]

Pelosi supports the Syria Accountability Act and Iran Freedom and Support Act. The Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act ( SALSRA) is a bill of the United States Congress passed into law on December 12 The Iran Freedom and Support Act of 2005 ( is an Act of Congress that appropriated $10 million and directed the President of the United States to spend that money In a speech at the AIPAC 2005 annual conference, Pelosi said that "for too long, leaders from both parties haven't done enough" to put pressure on Russia and China who are providing Iran with technological information on nuclear issues and missiles. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee ( AIPAC) is an American Lobbying group that advocates for pro- Israel policies to the Congress and Russia (Россия Rossiya) or the Russian Federation ( Rossiyskaya Federatsiya) is a transcontinental Country extending China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Iran topics. "If evidence of participation by other nations in Iran's nuclear program is discovered, I will insist that the Administration use, rather than ignore, the evidence in determining how the U. S. deals with that nation or nations on other issues. "^[61]

During the 2006 Lebanon War, Pelosi voted in favor of Resolution 921 on the count that "the seizure of Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah terrorists was an unprovoked attack and Israel has the right, and indeed the obligation, to respond. Background See also Israel-Lebanon conflict The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO had engaged in cross-border attacks from Southern Lebanon Hezbollah (حزب الله, literally " party of God " is a Shi'a Islamic political and Paramilitary organisation " She argues organizations and political bodies in the Mideast like Hamas and Hezbollah "have a greater interest in maintaining a state of hostility with Israel than in improving the lives of the people they claim to represent. Ḥamas (ar حركة حماس acronym ar حركة المقاومة Hezbollah (حزب الله, literally " party of God " is a Shi'a Islamic political and Paramilitary organisation " Pelosi asserts that civilians on both sides of the border "have been put at risk by the aggression of Hamas and Hezbollah" in part for their use of "civilians as shields by concealing weapons in civilian areas. "^[62]

In a February 15, 2007 interview, Pelosi noted that Bush consistently said he supports a diplomatic resolution to differences with Iran "and I take him at his word. Events 590 - Khosrau II is crowned as king of Persia 1637 - Ferdinand III becomes Holy Roman Emperor Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. " At the same time, she said, "I do believe that Congress should assert itself, though, and make it very clear that there is no previous authority for the president, any president, to go into Iran. "^[63] On January 12, 2007, Congressman Walter B. Jones of North Carolina introduced a resolution^[64] requiring that — absent a national emergency created by an attack, or a demonstrably imminent attack, by Iran upon the United States or its armed forces — the President must consult with Congress and receive specific authorization prior to initiating any use of military force against Iran. Events 475 - Basiliscus becomes Byzantine Emperor, with a coronation ceremony in the Hebdomon palace in Constantinople Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Walter Beaman Jones Jr (born February 10, 1943, in Farmville North Carolina) is an American Politician; a Republican North Carolina ( is a state located on the Atlantic Seaboard in the southeastern United States ^[65] This resolution was removed from a military spending bill for the war in Iraq by Pelosi on March 13, 2007. Events 1138 - Cardinal Gregorio Conti is elected Antipope as Victor IV, succeeding Anacletus II. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ^[66]

On February 15, 2007, Pelosi said President Bush lacks the authority to invade Iran without specific approval from Congress, "I do believe that Congress should assert itself, though, and make it very clear that there is no previous authority for the president, any president, to go into Iran. Events 590 - Khosrau II is crowned as king of Persia 1637 - Ferdinand III becomes Holy Roman Emperor Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. "^[67]

Military draft

In regards to Representative Charles Rangel's (D-NY) plan to introduce legislation that would reinstate the draft, Pelosi stated that she did not support such legislation. Charles Bernard "Charlie" Rangel (born June 11, 1930) is an American Politician. ^[68]

Minimum wage

As Speaker of the House, she also spearheaded the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 as part of the 100-Hour Plan. The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 ( Title VIII is an Act of Congress that amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and gradually raises the federal The Act raises the minimum wage in the United States and the territories of the Northern Marianas Islands and American Samoa. A minimum wage is the lowest hourly daily or monthly Wage that employers may legally pay to employees or workers The Northern Mariana Islands, officially the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI is a commonwealth in Political union with the United American Samoa (Amerika Sāmoa or sm ''Sāmoa Amelika'' is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast American Samoa was initially absent from the act, but as part of HR 2206 it was included. The US Troop Readiness Veterans' Care Katrina Recovery and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act 2007, ( is an emergency Appropriations act passed by the 110th One Republican congressman who voted against the initial bill accused Pelosi of unethically benefiting Del Monte Foods (headquartered in her district) by the exclusion of the territory, where Del Monte's StarKist Tuna brand is a major employer. Del Monte Foods ( is an American food production and distribution company based in San Francisco, California. Charlie the Tuna, the Cartoon Mascot Tuna for StarKist Tuna was created by Tom Rogers of the Leo Burnett Agency after StarKist hired Leo Burnett in 1961 ^[69] Pelosi co-sponsored legislation that omitted American Samoa from a raise in the minimum wage as early as 1999, prior to Del Monte's acquisition of StarKist Tuna in 2002. ^[70] As of the 2002, 2004, and 2006 election cycles, Del Monte has not contributed to Democratic candidates. ^[71]

Waterboarding

Pelosi officially opposes the interrogation technique of waterboarding. Waterboarding is a form of Torture that consists of immobilizing a person on their back with the head inclined downward and pouring water over the face and into the breathing ^[72] In 2002, Pelosi and several other Congressional leaders received a briefing on then-secret interrogation techniques including waterboarding, and did not object to the technique. ^[73] Pelosi's office stated that she eventually did protest the technique and that she concurred with objections raised by a Democratic colleague in a letter to the C. I. A. in early 2003. ^[72]

Electoral history

Pelosi's only close race so far has been the special election to succeed Sala Burton's seat after her death in February 1987. In the special election's Democratic primary, Pelosi narrowly defeated San Francisco Supervisor Harry Britt, considered the more "progressive" candidate, with 36 percent of the vote to his 32 percent. Harry Britt is a Gay political activist and former Supervisor for San Francisco California. ^[7][74] In the runoff against Republican candidate Harriet Ross, Pelosi received more than a 2 to 1 majority of cast votes in a turnout that comprised about 24% of eligible voters. ^[75] Since then, Pelosi has enjoyed overwhelming support in her political career, collecting 76 and 77 percent of the vote in California's 5th congressional district for the 1988 and 1990 Race for U. California's 5th congressional district currently covers Sacramento California and the surrounding area is currently represented by Democrat Doris Matsui. S. House of Representatives. In 1992, after the redistricting from the 1990 Census, Pelosi ran in California's 8th congressional district, which now covered the San Francisco area. California's 8th congressional district covers most of the City and County of San Francisco, California, USA, except for the south-western parts of She has continued to post impressive results since, dropping beneath 80 percent of the vote only once. ^[76]

See also

• United States House elections, 2006

Footnotes

External links

• Speaker of the House Official website
• U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Official site

• Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Voting record maintained by The Washington Post
• Campaign finance reports and data at the Federal Election Commission
• Campaign contributions at OpenSecrets.org
• Biography, voting record, and interest group ratings at Project Vote Smart
• Issue positions and quotes at On The Issues
• Current Bills Sponsored at StateSurge. The Biographical Directory of the United States Congress is a Biographical dictionary of all present and former members of the United States Congress as The Washington Post is the largest and most circulated Newspaper in Washington D The Federal Election Commission (or FEC) is an independent regulatory agency that was founded in 1975 by the United States Congress to regulate the The Center for Responsive Politics (CRP is a nonpartisan research group based in Washington D Project Vote Smart ( PVS) is a Non-profit, Non-partisan research organization that collects and distributes information on candidates for public office in com
• SourceWatch Congresspedia — Nancy Pelosi profile
• The American Ireland Fund Peace Award recipient
• Video Biography NIAF Lifetime Achievement Award

Articles

• YouTube — NancyPelosi Channel
• The New York Times — Nancy Pelosi News news stories and commentary
• Trinity Graduates Win Re-election: House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi '62 Poised to Become Speaker, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius '70 Wins Second Term from Trinity Washington University, November 8, 2006
• Rolling With Pelosi, from Newsweek, October 23, 2006
• Pelosi mines 'California gold' for Dems nationwide: Personal skills, wide network of wealthy donors help party's House leader gather millions, from sfgate. Newsweek is an American weekly Newsmagazine published in New York City. com, April 3, 2006
• Pelosi rides high, from The Economist, Feb 22, 2007
• This Is What a Speaker Looks Like, the Winter 2007 cover story to Ms.
• Nancy Pelosi Charlie Rose interviews