Barbara Mikulski biography

She had to endure a few jokes at her expense and some concern over her preference for pants initially, but she soon proved to be a strong advocate for her constituents.

Over the years, Mikulski has been a champion for her state and for many other issues close to her heart. She has worked on behalf of women's issues, including legislation to get breast and cervical cancer screenings and treatment for the uninsured. For the elderly,

Mikulski authored the Spousal Anti-Impoverishment Act to combat the potential financial crisis caused by the costs of paying for nursing home care for a spouse. She supports and encourages innovation and research in many areas as the chairwoman for the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science.

After winning her reelection bid in 2011, Mikulski is doing her best to bring more women into the Senate. She has pledged to campaign for other female candidates across the country as the 2012 election draws near. Mikulski also discussed women in the Senate in her speech at the Democratic National Convention held in September 2012.

In the weeks leading up to the convention, Mikulski said in a statement that "In this historic election, with more Democratic women running for Senate at one time than ever before, we have a tremendous opportunity to elect women and hold the Senate for Democrats," according to the Baltimore Sun. "Women . . . . make a difference when we vote and when we lead."

Personal Life

Mikulski is such a big fan of her state's signature dish that she shares her mother's recipe for crab cakes on her Web site. She also loves classical music and has written two novels. Mikulski has taken a fictional look at politics with the mysteries Capitol Offense (1996) and Capitol Venture (1997) with co-author Marylouise Oates.

© 2013 A+E Networks. All rights reserved.