Julia Carson

politician
Born: 7/8/1938
Birthplace: Louisville, Ky.
Died: 12/15/2007

Julia Carson's political career began in 1965, when Indiana congressman Andrew Jacobs, Jr., hired her as a legislative assistant. She continued working for Jacobs until she was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 1972. In 1976, after two terms in the House, she was elected to the Indiana State Senate, where she remained for the next 14 years. In addition to her legislative responsibilities, Carson found time to work as an executive for Cummins Engine Co. (1972–1982) and to operate her own small clothing business.

In 1990 Carson was elected trustee for the Center Township, an agency providing assistance for the needy in central Indianapolis. Although the Township was $20 million in debt and the number of people needing assistance was skyrocketing when she took over, Carson managed to turn the agency around. Her efforts on behalf of the poor earned her a woman-of-the-year award from the Indianapolis Star in 1992 (she had also received the award in 1984).

In 1996 Julia Carson won election to the U.S. Congress, succeeding her former mentor, Andrew Jacobs, Jr., as representative from Indiana's 10th Congressional District. She was reelected in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, and 2006. During her terms in office, Carson has helped sponsor numerous pieces of legislation aimed at increasing funding for schools, curbing the abuses of managed health care, increasing food safety, and blocking children's access to hand guns.

Although she was born in Kentucky, Carson grew up in Indianapolis, Ind. She is divorced with two grown children.