[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 134 (Tuesday, October 9, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1831]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A BIRTHDAY SALUTE TO MADALE WATSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 9, 2001

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged today to ask my colleagues 
to join me in paying tribute to my friend, Madale Watson, who 
celebrated her 90th birthday last week.
  Madale has been a fixture in Democratic politics in the state of 
California since her service in James Harvey Brown's Assembly campaigns 
in 1948 and 1950. Born into a political family, her father was the 
District Coordinator for Congressman Jerry Vorhees.
  A pioneer and strong advocate for the participation of women in 
politics and governance, she twice was a candidate herself for the 
California Assembly. Building on her own political experience, she 
served as the treasurer of numerous campaigns for Democratic 
candidates.
  She was appointed to the Democratic State Central Committee in the 
1950s and served as its Vice Chair. She was the treasurer of the 
California Democratic Party's Southern Division from 1971 to 1977. 
Coordinator of far too many political dinners to count, she won special 
notice for her work for President John F. Kennedy in 1962.
  She attended five national party conventions.
  This remarkable woman didn't confine herself to politics. She was 
also Chair of the California State Board of Registered Nursing and a 
Member of the Board of the California Public Employees Retirement 
System.
  Friend to innumerable political figures, none of them dared be self-
important around Madale Watson. She knew exactly how to cut a person 
down to size. Her irrepressible personality, her endless energy and her 
quick wit made here much beloved by all privileged to know her.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in birthday greetings to 
a California legend--Madale Watson.

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