Connie Morella facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Connie Morella
United States Ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
In office August 1, 2003 – August 6, 2007
President	George W. Bush
Preceded by	Jeanne Phillips
Succeeded by	Christopher Egan
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Maryland's 8th district
In office January 3, 1987 – January 3, 2003
Preceded by	Michael Barnes
Succeeded by	Chris Van Hollen
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates from the 16th district
In office January 10, 1979 – January 3, 1987
Preceded by	John Ward
Succeeded by	Brian Frosh Gilbert Genn
Personal details
Born	Constance Albanese (1931-02-12) February 12, 1931 (age 94) Somerville, Massachusetts, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Anthony Morella ​ ​ (m. 1954; died 2020)​
Education	Boston University (BA) American University (MA)

Constance "Connie" Morella (born February 12, 1931) is an American politician and diplomat. For 16 years, from 1987 to 2003, she was a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the state of Maryland.

After her time in Congress, she served as the U.S. ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) from 2003 to 2007. She now teaches at American University. In 2010, President Barack Obama appointed her to a commission that honors American soldiers who died in wars.

Early Life and Education

Connie Morella was born Constance Albanese in Somerville, Massachusetts. Her family were Democrats who worked in blue-collar jobs. After high school, she went to Boston University and earned her degree in 1954.

She became a Republican after meeting her husband, Anthony C. Morella. He worked for Republicans who were known for their liberal or moderate views. After they married, the couple moved to Bethesda, Maryland. They had three children of their own and later adopted their six nieces and nephews after Connie's sister passed away.

Morella worked as a high school teacher in Maryland. She later earned a master's degree from American University in 1967. She taught at American University and then became a professor at Montgomery College until 1985.

Political Career

Morella's journey into politics began at the local level. In 1971, she helped start the Montgomery County Commission for Women, a group that advises on women's issues. She also joined the League of Women Voters.

In 1978, she was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates, which is part of the state's government. She served there until she decided to run for the United States Congress.

A Career in Congress

In 1986, Morella ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for Maryland's 8th district. Her opponent was a wealthy businessman who was expected to win. However, Morella gained support from major newspapers like The Baltimore Sun and The Washington Post. She won the election and became the first woman to represent her district in Congress.

Congresswoman Connie Morella during her time in office.

Morella was known for being a moderate Republican. This means she did not always agree with the main positions of her party. For example, she often supported environmental protection, gun control, and gay rights. She also voted for government funding for certain health programs.

However, she also voted with her party on some issues, like opposing President Clinton's 1993 budget plan. She was active in fighting for human rights and women's health. She also worked on laws to help victims of domestic violence.

Morella was one of only a few Republicans who voted against the use of military force in Iraq in both 1991 and 2002. In 1998, during the Lewinsky scandal, she was one of only four Republicans who voted against all four articles of impeachment against President Bill Clinton.

Facing Electoral Challenges

Morella represented a district that was becoming more and more Democratic. This made it harder for her, a Republican, to win elections. In 2000, the Democratic party in Maryland controlled the process of redistricting. This is when the boundaries of voting districts are redrawn.

The new map for Morella's district included more Democratic voters. This made her 2002 election very difficult. She lost to the Democratic candidate, Chris Van Hollen. Since then, the 8th district has consistently elected Democrats.

In 2020, Morella publicly supported Democrat Joe Biden for president instead of the Republican candidate, Donald Trump.

Ambassador to the OECD

In 2003, President George W. Bush appointed Morella to be the U.S. ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The OECD is a group of countries that work together to improve their economies.

She was the first former member of Congress to serve as ambassador to the OECD. She held the position until 2007.

Awards and Honors

Connie Morella has received many awards for her public service. Several universities have given her honorary doctorate degrees.

• She was added to the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame.
• She received public service awards from the American Medical Association and the American Bar Association.
• The country of Italy awarded her the Medal of the Legion of Merit.
• In 2013, Germany gave her an award for her work in strengthening the relationship between the U.S. Congress and Germany's government.
• In 2016, the government of Japan awarded her the Order of the Rising Sun for helping to strengthen the friendship between the U.S. and Japan.
• In 2018, a library in Bethesda, Maryland, was renamed the Connie Morella Library in her honor.

Electoral History

See also

• Women in the United States House of Representatives