ar_sen_Lincoln
BLANCHE LAMBERT LINCOLN
Age: 38 Born: September 30, 1960 in Helena, Arkansas Education: Randolph Macon WomenÂ's College, BA (1982); University of Arkansas; University of London; Helena High School. Military: none Family: Married - Steve Lincoln; twins Hometown: Helena, Arkansas Religion: Presbyterian Career: US House of Representatives (1992-96); lobbyist (1987-92); Legislative Assistant, Broadhurst, Brook, Mangham & Hardy Law firm (1985-87); Staffer, Rep. Bill Alexander (1982-85) |
· Former Arkansas Congresswoman, Blanche Lambert Lincoln spent two (2) terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1996, she announced she was having twins and would not seek re-election.
· Lincoln was elected to the House in 1992, defeating her former boss, incumbent Rep. Bill Alexander in the Primary with 60% of the vote. In the general election, she defeated Republican Terry Hayes, capturing 70% of the vote.
· As a child, Lincoln attended a desegregated public school, which was uncommon. She credits this experience with teaching her about the importance of making friends with all types of children.
· Lincoln is a seventh generation descendent of Reverend Jordan Bennett Lambert who settled in Arkansas to bring religion to the Indians in 1815. She was raised in the Arkansas delta, living on a rice, wheat, soybean, and cotton farm that was in the family for six generations.
· Despite having worked for former Rep. Bill Alexander, when she graduated from college, Lambert defeated him in the 1992 Democratic Primary. The incumbent Alexander had written 487 overdrafts, totaling more than $200,000 from the House bank. Lambert acknowledged that this was not a race about the issues - in fact they agreed with each other on most points. Instead, she said this was a race for a honest cange.
· In the House, she established a moderate voting record favoring abortion rights. During her tenure, she served on the Commerce Committee. Lambert was a so-called Blue Dog Democrat - fiscally conservative group who championed a balanced budget.
· In 1996, Lambert was the only AR delegation member to sign a letter opposing FDA regulation of tobacco sales and advertising. She also accepted tobacco PAC contributions.