The Honorable Mary Rose Oakar

U.S. Representative from Ohio (January 3, 1977-January 3, 1993)

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Mary Rose Oakar came to Congress having fostered strong community ties as a teacher, a member of the Cleveland city council, and a well-known name in the local Democratic Party. Oakar ran for Congress in great part to improve public housing in Cleveland. With no money for television advertisements she ran an effective grassroots campaign where she traversed the streets of Cleveland and nearby suburbs in a decked-out Ford Model T distributing her distinctive rose pens at church card parties, bowling alleys, and other events where potential voters assembled. During her eight terms in the House, the Ohio Representative remained closely connected to her district, addressing issues of local importance, while also earning a reputation as a powerful spokesperson for women, children, and the elderly.

As a Representative, Oakar advocated increased women’s rights such as pay equity and better health care for women. A determined, and at times, tenacious legislator—as evidenced by her refusal to back down when promised increased funding for mammograms—Oakar openly embraced the idea of representing women across the country and the world. During the Anita Hill and Clarence Thomas debate in 1991, she joined other women Representatives in attending the highly-publicized congressional hearings and meeting with Anita Hill during breaks in her testimony. A founding member of the Congresswomen’s Caucus, she describes how she helped recruit other women Members to join the organization and reflects on the early years of the caucus. Oakar also recalls efforts by women Representatives for equity within the institution to gain access to the gym and pool used by Congressmen. Mirroring her ability to forge strong relationships in her district, Oakar skillfully worked her way into the Democratic leadership. She outlines her responsibilities in the Democratic whip organization and her successful run for secretary of the Democratic Caucus—a position left vacant when Geraldine Ferraro ran for Vice President. Oakar offers a behind-the-scenes look at leadership campaigning (including an unsuccessful bid for Democratic Caucus chair) and shares how Ferraro encouraged her to demand a seat at the table (literally) when the Democratic leadership met with the President at the White House.