Prior to her service in the House, Clare Boothe Luce was a successful magazine editor, playwright, and war correspondent. Elected as a Republican to represent Connecticut, she served in the House from 1943 until 1947. Luce was known for her wit, sharp intellect, and ability to turn a phrase. The party's leadership selected Luce as the keynote speaker at the 1944 Republican National Convention, making her the first woman to do so. After retiring from Congress, she served as United States Ambassador to Italy.