Spear Lecture on Public Policy :Tammy Baldwin

When Tammy Baldwin was elected to represent Wisconsin's Second Congressional District, a southern part of the state that includes Madison and the surrounding suburbs, the fact that she was openly gay was significant in that it ultimately wasn't really significant—most voters looked at her policies more than her personal life. Baldwin will always wear the title of the first openly gay non-incumbent to be elected to the House. The title of her Spear Lecture on Public Policy, "Leaning Toward Justice," might suggest that she will be talking about justice for homosexuals. Her track record in Congress indicates, however, that she's interested in many far-reaching issues of justice. She's an outspoken advocate for universal health care and co-signed bills proposing impeaching Dick Cheney and Alberto Gonzales. She voted against the invasion of Iraq. She leans toward justice for people who can't do it for themselves.
Sat., Sept. 15, 7:30 p.m.