Kim McMillan and Madeline Rogero Shine at the Federation of Democratic Women National Convention

By Angela Danovi

Two Tennessee Democratic Women, Madeline Rogero and Kim McMillan, delivered remarks today at the National Convention of the National Federation of Democratic Women. McMillan spoke about the history of women in politics both locally and nationally. She also talked about her personal experiences as a candidate and former member of the Tennessee State Legislature, where she eventually became the first female House Majority Leader. McMillan shared a humorous story about being mistaken for an intern by a fellow legislator during her freshman term in the house. She said that the moment taught her to remain focused on the job she was elected to do, represent her constituents and serve on the committee for which she was appointed, rather than making a public scene of embarrassment for the chair of the committee. Ultimately, this decision led to a better working relationship with the chair and helped her to push forward her sponsored legislation! McMillan closed her speech by impressing upon the delegates the value of outworking her opponents. She stated that the support that she received from both women and men during her previous campaigns came not because she was woman but because she was the best candidate!

Kim McMillan will take her 12 years of legislative experience combined with her experience of serving in the Bredesen administration into the fall elections as she seeks to become the first female mayor of Clarksville!

Madeline Rogero, former and future candidate for Mayor of Knoxville also spoke at the National Convention of the National Federation of Democratic Women, this morning. Rogero talked about the importance of women supporting women in office while referencing her previous run for Mayor of Knoxville. She told an engaging story of getting permission from a supporter to put a sign up in her "half" of the yard because she was quietly supporting Rogero while the supporter's husband very vocally was not supporting her. Rogero also talked about the role that she and her campaign played in shaping the administration of her former opponent. She reiterated the need for civility and referenced herself as an example of a successful campaign that helped shape the agenda and administration of her former opponent. Rogero is looking forward to her 2011 mayoral campaign in Knoxville and if elected will become the first female Mayor of Knoxville!