Margaret Chase Smith was one of the most politically successful women of the 20th century. She married Maine political leader Clyde H. Smith and filled his seat in the House of Representatives after he passed away. During World War II she served on the House Naval Affairs Committee and helped achieve permanent status for women in the military. After eight years in Congress, Margaret was elected to the Senate, becoming the first woman in history to serve in both houses. During this time she openly opposed Senator Joseph McCarthy’s campaign to identify Communists. In 1964 she became the first woman to be nominated for presidency at a major party convention.
