Bella Abzug, Democratic Party, 1972

"This woman's place is in the house, the House of Representatives."

Bella Abzug was a politician, a feminist, a breast cancer survivor, a Zionist, a New Yorker, and a Presidential Candidate. The daughter of Russian immigrants, Abzug attended Hunter College, where she was student body president. Later, she earned a law degree from Columbia University. As a lawyer, Abzug fought against the House Un-American Activities Committee and for civil liberties.

In 1970, Abzug blazed a trail to Washington, DC, becoming the first Jewish woman to serve in congress. Recognized for being outspoken and wearing wide-brimmed hats, she introduced legislation in support of gay and lesbian civil rights and reproductive freedom, and calling for an end ot the war in Viet Nam. In 1972, Abzug campaigned unsuccessfully to represent the Democratic Party in the race to the White House, and was the first Jewish woman to do so. Abzug played a major role in establishing International Women's Day, the Year of the Woman, and the UN Decade of the Woman, saying, "who know, if we behave they may let us in on the whole thing!"