Barbara Boxer

Boxer was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1993, after serving 10 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. A liberal democrat, she is known for her advocacy of the environment and women's rights, as well as her stand against sexual harassment. She sought to thwart the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court. As a representative, Boxer served on the powerful Armed Services Committee, and in 1984, exposed the Air Force's purchase of a $7,622 coffee maker.

Her term in the House was preceded by a six-year stint on the Marin County Board of Supervisors. She also served as its first woman president. Before entering politics, Boxer worked as a stockbroker and a journalist. She graduated from Brooklyn College in 1962, with a degree in economics. She and her husband, Stewart Boxer, have two children. One of them, Nicole, was married to one of Hillary Rodham Clinton's brothers.

She sits on several Senate committees, including the environment and public works, foreign relations, and commerce.