Barbara Lawton: Rising Star?

I came across an interesting editorial in the Capital Times about Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton. Before I go any further, I have to admit I hadn’t really done a lot of reading on Lt. Governor Lawton, so I didn’t realize just what an asset she’s been as a part of Governor Doyle’s administration. I suppose that’s in large part due to the fact that I had gotten so used to useless Lieutenant Governors – folks like Scott McCallum and Maragaret Farrow – who didn’t really do anything except occupy office space during their tenures as our state’s second in command.

Lt. Governor Lawton has been a leading advocate nationally on the issue of global warming, authoring and introducing a resolution to establish the commitment of state officials from across the country to combat global warming and invest in renewable energy. Lawton’s lobbying on behalf of her resolution secured support from Democratic and Republican lieutenant governors – a commitment that required Republicans to break with their president and many party leaders who continue to deny the science of global warming and refuse to respond with the urgency that is required. Even more impressive than her leading role nationally on global warming issues is the fact that Lawton was recently unanimously elected to serve as vice chair of the National Lieutenant Governors Association, putting her in line to become the chair of that organization next year.

It’s nice to see a woman take a leading role in Wisconsin and nationally, and I personally look forward to seeing how far Lieutenant Governor Lawton’s star rises.

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