Libby Mitchell: Veteran lawmaker says she’s ready for Blaine House

[ccharles000]

AUGUSTA, Maine — When Elizabeth "Libby" Mitchell was elected speaker of the House in 1996, the veteran state lawmaker became the first woman to hold one of the Maine Legislature’s two top leadership positions.

Mitchell made history again 12 years later — this time on a national scale — with her election as president of the Maine Senate, thereby becoming the first woman to lead both chambers of a state legislature.

Now, the former teacher, housing administrator and lawyer is waging a campaign for governor that, if successful, would make Mitchell the first woman to occupy the Blaine House.

But while Mitchell said breaking the last remaining gender barrier in Maine politics would be an honor, that is not her reason for seeking the Democratic nomination for governor.

“This election presents an extraordinary opportunity for me to use the experience I have gained,” said Mitchell. “The culmination of all of the things I have done I believe make me ready to lead at this very important juncture.”

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