Sen Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin:

Democrat Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin was first elected to the U.S. Senate in November 2012 in a heated contest against former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson. Baldwin is the first openly gay American elected as U.S. senator.

Before the U.S. Senate, Tammy Baldwin served seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, from 1999 through 2012, and six years in the Wisconsin legislature, from 1993 to 1999.

A proud progressive Democrat, Rep. Baldwin has been a member of two subcommittees of the House Energy and Commerce Committee: Health, and Energy and the Economy. She's an active member of the Congressional Caucus on Women.

Tammy Baldwin's Political Stances:

In late 2002, Rep Baldwin was one of 133 House members to vote NO on the U.S. attack and occupation of Iraq.

Rep. Baldwin voted YES in 2010 on the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare, although she had long advocated for a more progressive single-payer government healthcare option.

Tammy Baldwin has been a consistent and passionate advocate for womens' issues, including for equal pay, women's health and reproductive issues and rights, and protecting women from violence. (See quotes below.)

Personal Data:

• Birth - February 11, 1962 in Madison, Wisconsin
• Education - Graduated in 1980, valedictorian, Madison West High School. B.A. in 1984 from Smith College. J.D. 1989 from University of Wisconsin Law School.
• Family - Single. Separated from her domestic partner, Lauren Azar, in 2010 after 15 years together. Ms. Azar, Wisconsin Public Service Commissioner from 2007 to 2010, works as senior advisor to Steven Chu, U.S. Energy Department Secretary.

Sen Tammy Baldwin on the Issues:

On Supporting Women's Reproductive Rights Worldwide

"I am pro-choice and support the United States Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, which protects a woman’s right to reproductive health and freedom. I believe that the abortions protected by that decision should be rare and safe, but that the decision between a woman, her family and her doctor, based on her own health and circumstances.

"I also strongly support domestic and international family planning to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies and abortions worldwide and to save lives. I believe that all women, abroad and in the U.S., should be free to make their own reproductive health care decisions and should have access to legal, safe, and affordable contraception. I vigorously oppose any cuts to Title X family planning funding, as well as any attempts to reinstate the 'global gag rule,' which prevents international organizations from providing needed comprehensive health care for women. In addition, I support efforts to reduce unwanted pregnancies, particularly teenage pregnancies."

On the Need for a Comprehensive U.S. Energy Plan

"Energy is at the heart of our economy. I support the development of a comprehensive energy strategy that will position our nation for strong economic growth and security for the 21st century. America’s strength has always come from innovation. We should be the world’s leader in the development of a clean energy economy.

"A comprehensive energy plan must include investment in enhanced energy production from wind, solar and biofuels; investment in advanced battery technology, electric and hybrid vehicles, and development of smart grid technology. If we are to successfully confront the challenge of climate change, we will have to move away from our dependence on fossil fuels. For states like Wisconsin that are highly dependent on coal for energy productions, we must pursue new technologies to capture and store carbon that would otherwise damage our environment and contribute to climate change."

On Combating Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault

"Education is essential if we are to be successful in combating domestic violence and sexual assault... Studies show that one in six women and one in thirty-three men will be a victim of rape or attempted rape in their lifetime and that on average, a person is sexually assaulted in the U.S. every two-and-a-half minutes. In Wisconsin, one in three women and one in five men is a victim of sexual assault. In fact, 93% of sexual assault survivors in Wisconsin are violated by someone they know and trust, often times before the age of 15.

"We still have far to go in eradicating the harm inflicted on our communities by sexual assault and domestic violence and I will continue to advocate for an end to all forms of violence."