There's an old joke about Paul McCartney being in a band before Wings; the same point can be made to those who think of Tammy Baldwin only as a member of Congress, representing Wisconsin's 2nd District.
In fact, she has a rich history here, from being at the top of her West High class in 1980 to serving four terms on the Dane Co unty Board, three in the state Legislature, and even a stint on the Madison Common Council. She capped it off in 1999 by becoming the first woman from Wisconsin and the first non-incumbent openly gay person to be elected to Congress.
People sometimes grouse about how Baldwin has not accomplished everything she would have liked. But she has provided her constituents with good, conscientious service and the institution she serves with an indelible example of a proud progressive.
