Catherine Baker Knoll facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Catherine Baker Knoll
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| 30th Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania | |
| In office January 21, 2003 – November 12, 2008 |
|
| Governor | Ed Rendell |
| Preceded by | Robert Jubelirer |
| Succeeded by | Joe Scarnati |
| 72nd Treasurer of Pennsylvania | |
| In office January 18, 1989 – January 22, 1997 |
|
| Governor | Bob Casey Sr. Tom Ridge |
| Preceded by | Davis Greene |
| Succeeded by | Barbara Hafer |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Catherine Baker
September 3, 1930 McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | November 12, 2008 (aged 78) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Resting place | Allegheny County Memorial Park Allison Park, Pennsylvania |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Charles A. Knoll |
| Profession | Teacher, businesswoman, politician |
Catherine Baker Knoll (September 3, 1930 – November 12, 2008) was an American politician. She was a member of the Democratic Party. She made history as the first, and so far only, woman to serve as lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania. She held this important role from 2003 until her death in 2008. Before that, she was the Pennsylvania State Treasurer from 1989 to 1997.
Contents
Early Life and Political Start
Catherine Baker was born in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, a town near Pittsburgh. Her father, Nick Baker, was a successful man who later became the mayor of McKees Rocks. Catherine was one of nine children in her family.
She studied at Duquesne University and graduated in 1952. After college, she married Charles A. Knoll, who owned restaurants and hotels. He later became the Postmaster for her local area. Catherine and Charles had four children: Charles Jr., Mina, Albert, and Kim.
Catherine Baker Knoll began her political journey by helping with campaigns for local and statewide Democratic candidates. She first helped her father, Nick. Later, she worked for Governor Milton Shapp. When Governor Shapp was elected in 1970, he offered Catherine a job at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Serving as State Treasurer
The Pennsylvania Treasurer is a state official who manages the state's money. This includes investing funds and making sure payments are made correctly.
Catherine Baker Knoll ran for State Treasurer several times. She first tried in 1976 and again in 1984, but she didn't win the primary election. In 1988, after her husband passed away, she ran a third time and was elected State Treasurer of Pennsylvania.
During her eight years as Treasurer, she worked to make the office more modern. She started important programs like the Pennsylvania TAP (Tuition Account Program), which helped families save for college. She also helped build the PA Treasury Investment Center and worked with builders and banks to create affordable housing across Pennsylvania.
During her time as Treasurer, there was an investigation about some fees related to a state project. Catherine Baker Knoll was not charged with any wrongdoing, but the investigation did affect her political standing. Other people involved were found guilty.
In 1994, Catherine Baker Knoll considered running for governor. She decided to run after the Democratic Party chose not to endorse any candidate. She finished third in a primary election with seven candidates.
In 1996, Catherine Baker Knoll could not run for Treasurer again because of term limits. She supported her daughter, Mina Baker Knoll, to take her place. However, Mina lost the election to Republican Barbara Hafer. This started a rivalry between the two women, and they ran against each other again in 2000 for Treasurer. The campaigns were very competitive, with both candidates highlighting issues about the other's past work. In the end, Barbara Hafer won the election.
Becoming Lieutenant Governor
The Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania is the second-highest elected official in the state. They often work closely with the governor and preside over the State Senate.
In 2002, Catherine Baker Knoll decided to run for Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. She faced nine other candidates in the primary election. She won the primary by getting support from women and senior citizens, winning most of the state's counties.
She then teamed up with Ed Rendell, the Democratic candidate for governor. Their campaign was known for Catherine traveling to many small towns, meeting thousands of voters in various community settings. The Rendell/Knoll team won the general election, and Catherine Baker Knoll was sworn in as Pennsylvania's first female Lieutenant Governor on January 21, 2003.
In 2006, Catherine Baker Knoll ran for reelection with Governor Rendell. Some people thought her old rival, Barbara Hafer, might challenge her, but Hafer said they had settled their differences. Another politician, Joe Hoeffel, announced he would challenge Knoll but dropped out after Governor Rendell confirmed his support for her. Catherine Baker Knoll won the primary easily and was reelected with Governor Rendell.
As Lieutenant Governor, she led every session of the Pennsylvania Senate. Governor Rendell said she was very important in areas like emergency management, preparing for disasters, and helping the state's economy grow. She also supported and campaigned for Hillary Clinton during the 2008 presidential primary election in Pennsylvania.
Later Life and Passing
In August 2008, Catherine Baker Knoll shared that she had been diagnosed with cancer. She received treatment and tried to return to her duties in September, but she was too tired. In October, she went to a hospital in Baltimore for treatment of an infection.
Catherine Baker Knoll passed away on November 12, 2008, in New York City. After her death, Joe Scarnati, who was the President pro tempore of the Pennsylvania State Senate, became the new Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania.
See also
- List of female lieutenant governors in the United States
