Millicent Fenwick

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Millicent Hammond Fenwick (1910-1992)

Millicent Hammond Fenwick (February 25, 1910 – September 16, 1992) was an American fashion editor, politician and diplomat. A long-time Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from New Jersey, she entered politics late in life and was renowned for her energy and colorful enthusiasm. She was regarded as a moderate and progressive within her party and was outspoken in favor of civil rights and the women's movement.

She was born in New York City. Her mother died five years later in the sinking of the Lusitania. Raised in comfortable circumstances, she attended college at Columbia University and the New School for Social Research. She married and divorced, and worked for 14 years as an editor at Vogue, with a wardrobe and style to match the position.

In the 1960s, the elegant fifty-something Fenwick became involved in politics via the Civil Rights Movement. Often described as being blessed with exceptional intelligence, striking good looks, and a keen wit, she rose rapidly in the ranks of the Republican Party. Elected to Congress from New Jersey in 1974 at age sixty-four, she became a media darling. Television commentator Walter Cronkite called her "the conscience of Congress." During her four terms in the House of Representatives, she emerged as arguably one of the most colorful politicians in American history. She was known for her opposition to corruption by both parties and special interest groups. She was one of the most liberal Republicans in the House, which is somewhat typical for Republicans from New Jersey. In 1982, she ran for U.S. Senate seat, but lost the general election to businessman Frank Lautenberg.

She is considered the model for the character of Lacey Davenport in Garry Trudeau's comic strip Doonesbury. However Trudeau's Lacey arrived in Congress two years earlier than Fenwick did in real life.

Fenwick once participated in a hearing where a conservative male congressman attacked a piece of equal rights legislation with the words, "I’ve always thought of women as kissable, cuddly, and smelling good." Fenwick responded:

"That’s what I’ve always thought about men, and I hope for your sake that you haven’t been disappointed as many times as I’ve been." (—Dr. Mardy's Quotes of the Week, February 21-27, 2004)

She was one of the few female pipe smokers.

After leaving the House of Representatives, she was appointed by President Ronald Reagan as the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, with the rank of Ambassador. She served in that position from 1983 to 1987.

She died at the age of 82 from undisclosed causes in 1992.

A biography, Millicent Fenwick: Her Way by Amy Schapiro, appeared in 2003.