The Honorable Sue W. Kelly
A politically-active small businesswoman before running for elected office, Sue W. Kelly joined a large freshman Republican class in 1995. The New York Representative rose through the ranks to chair subcommittees on the Budget and Financial Services committees. She also co-chaired the Congresswomen’s Caucus where she advocated for legislation to improve women’s health.
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The Violence Against Women Act
The Violence Against Women Act
The Honorable Sue W. Kelly, U.S. Representative of New York
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Abstract & Transcript
U.S. Representative from New York (January 3, 1995–January 3, 2007)
Sue W. Kelly made the transition from a behind-the-scenes campaign worker to a candidate for Congress in 1994 when incumbent Representative Hamilton Fish, Jr., of New York declined to seek re-election. In her oral history, Kelly speaks of her familiarity with the district as a longtime resident, small business owner, and volunteer for Congressman Fish.
As part of the freshman class that helped Republicans take the majority in the House for the first time in 40 years, Kelly reflects on the many opportunities afforded to new Members, such as plum committee assignments and placement on influential investigative groups. In her interview, Kelly observes that Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia supported women Representatives, providing chances for advancement within the party and in the institution. Kelly also describes how women on both sides of the aisle worked together to promote legislation like the Violence Against Women Act. Kelly’s oral history offers a unique look at the majority whip operation as House Republicans sought to implement the centerpiece of their successful campaign to retake the House, the “Contract with America.” Kelly also offers a comparison of the leadership style of the two Speakers she worked with during her six terms in office—Gingrich and J. Dennis Hastert of Illinois—as well as poignant memories of representing a New York district after the September 11, 2001, attacks against the United States.
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A Different Time
A Different Time
The Honorable Sue W. Kelly, U.S. Representative of New York
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"Sue Kelly For Congress"
"Sue Kelly For Congress"
The Honorable Sue W. Kelly, U.S. Representative of New York
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Working Hard on the Campaign
Working Hard on the Campaign
The Honorable Sue W. Kelly, U.S. Representative of New York
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Beating the Odds
Beating the Odds
The Honorable Sue W. Kelly, U.S. Representative of New York
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"There Were No Women on that Committee"
"There Were No Women on that Committee"
The Honorable Sue W. Kelly, U.S. Representative of New York
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Differing Styles of Legislating
Differing Styles of Legislating
The Honorable Sue W. Kelly, U.S. Representative of New York
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"What Do You Think They've Been Doing?"
"What Do You Think They've Been Doing?"
The Honorable Sue W. Kelly, U.S. Representative of New York
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Long Days and Nights at the Capitol
Long Days and Nights at the Capitol
The Honorable Sue W. Kelly, U.S. Representative of New York
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The Violence Against Women Act
The Violence Against Women Act
The Honorable Sue W. Kelly, U.S. Representative of New York
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New Perspective in the Whip's Office
New Perspective in the Whip's Office
The Honorable Sue W. Kelly, U.S. Representative of New York
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"It Was a Horrible Feeling"
"It Was a Horrible Feeling"
The Honorable Sue W. Kelly, U.S. Representative of New York
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Leaving a Mark
Leaving a Mark
The Honorable Sue W. Kelly, U.S. Representative of New York
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