Nancy Pelosi on Louise Slaughter: ‘She was the best’
"I said her reputation has preceded her, because Governor
And so began a professional partnership between two beginning lawmakers who would together grow into two of the most powerful women
Pelosi, a
But Slaughter, who died Friday at the age of 88 after suffering a fall and a concussion last week, stood at Pelosi's side during many of the most important moments of Pelosi's career, and through many of the House's most historic moments of the past three decades.
Speaking with The News, Pelosi reflected on the colorful character from upstate
And like many who recalled
Two women trying to make their way in a male-dominated institution, Slaughter and Pelosi quickly bonded. Both became leaders in the fight for women's rights, with Slaughter taking particular pride in representing
"She took ownership of
Pelosi noted that Slaughter had the doggedness to get work done in an institution where success can come slowly.
"When she dug into her heels, if you just wanted to save time, just do what she wants, because she's not going to go away," Pelosi said.
For example, Slaughter worked for more than a decade to win passage of a bill banning discrimination based on a person's genetic makeup. That, Pelosi said, serves as evidence not only of Slaughter's persistence, but of her background as the only microbiologist to serve in the House.
"She didn't flaunt it, but she used her education credentials and her degree in microbiology to to affect public policy," Pelosi said.
Slaughter fought for and won the first
And, as chairwoman of the
Pelosi chose Slaughter to hold that powerful post, but not just because they were personally close.
"She was the best, with her command of the issues and the knowledge of the rules and the respect she commanded on both sides of the aisle and certainly with those who came to testify," Pelosi said.
That respect was born not just of knowledge, but of warmth. A former jazz singer, Slaughter would sometimes fight with
"She brought harmony into the most raucous relationships," she said. "If she was your friend, there was a loyalty to behold."
That being the case, Slaughter's death brought about an unusually large number of heartfelt statements from
"She had friendships across the aisle, across the Capital, down
And all those friendships helped Slaughter build a lasting legislative legacy.
"As I have often said before, there are many Southern belles whose accents have helped them get their way," Pelosi said. "Louise got her way all over the country."
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