Catherine Baker Knoll
Catherine Baker Knoll | |
---|---|
30th Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania | |
In office January 21, 2003 – November 12, 2008 | |
Governor | Ed Rendell |
Preceded by | Robert Jubelirer |
Succeeded by | Joe Scarnati[1] |
72nd Treasurer of Pennsylvania | |
In office January 18, 1989[2] – January 22, 1997[3] | |
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 New York City, New York, U.S. | (aged 78)
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 and member of the
Background
Catherine Baker was born in the
Knoll began her political career as a campaign worker for local and statewide Democratic candidates, first for her father, Nick, and later for Governor Milton Shapp. When Shapp was elected governor in 1970, he awarded Knoll a job with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
State Treasurer
In 1976, she ran for the Democratic nomination for state treasurer but lost to
She streamlined and modernized the treasurer's office during her eight-year tenure and started the Pennsylvania TAP program (Tuition Account Program),[4] built the PA Treasury Investment Center,[4] and started a partnership with PA Home Builders, PA Community Banks, to build PA [citation needed] Affordable Housing in 67 counties of Pennsylvania) according to the population of each county. [citation needed]
In 1994, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission launched an investigation into Knoll and her staff after four state consultants reaped improper fees from a prison bond issue.[4] Knoll claimed that the official paperwork had been altered after she signed off on the plan.[4] Knoll was never charged with a crime but the well-publicized inquiry hurt her politically. However, the four state consultants were found guilty and served prison time. [citation needed]
Catherine Baker Knoll ran for the Democratic nomination for governor in 1994, having surprised Lieutenant Governor Mark Singel, by first withdrawing from the race and then hinting that she would consider running if the Democratic State Committee did not endorse anyone for the race.[4] The State Committee voted to endorse no candidate and Knoll re-entered the race only to finish third in a seven-way primary.[4]
In 1996, Knoll, who was term limited, endorsed her daughter Mina Baker Knoll as her successor. Mina Knoll's opponent, Republican
Lieutenant governor
In
She was paired with Democratic nominee for governor Ed Rendell, who also defeated the establishment favorite in his primary (Bob Casey Jr.). Her campaign was memorable for her traveling from small town to small town (logging over 40,000 miles on her car), and her meeting thousands of voters, by visiting church basements, PTA meetings, fashion shows and construction sites.[8] The Rendell/ Knoll ticket won the general election 53% to 44% over Republicans Mike Fisher and his running mate Jane Earll. Knoll was sworn in as Pennsylvania's first-ever female Lieutenant Governor on January 21, 2003.
Knoll's old rival
Congressman
Knoll endorsed and campaigned with
As lieutenant governor, she presided over every Pennsylvania Senate session. Governor Rendell noted that she was "instrumental in issues such as emergency management, domestic preparedness and economic development."[14]
Death
In August 2008, Knoll revealed that she had been diagnosed with
See also
References
- ^ "Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll, 78, Has Died". KDKA. Associated Press. November 12, 2008. Retrieved November 13, 2008. [permanent dead link]
- ^ https://news.google.com/newspapers
- ^ http://nl.newsbank.com
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Johnna A. Pro (January 12, 2003). "Catherine Baker Knoll is making history as first female lieutenant governor". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 12, 2008.
- ^ "Reading Eagle - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ "Knoll Attacks Hafer Using $2 Million for PSAs - Calls it an Illegal... -- re> PITTSBURGH, June 28 /PRNewswire/ --". Archived from the original on December 8, 2015.
- ^ Tom Barnes (October 15, 2006). "Knoll keeping lower profile this year". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 12, 2008.
- ^ Catherine Baker Knoll is making history as first female lieutenant governor
- ^ Hafer to cross party lines and endorse Rendell
- ^ Hafer heads to private life: After 16 years in Harrisburg, she's starting her own firm
- ^ Hoeffel relents on lieutenant governor race, The Philadelphia Inquirer, 3/9/06
- ^ "Revelers greet Clinton with warm Pittsburgh reception".
- ^ "Hillary Clinton's Pennsylvania Primary Speech". The New York Times. April 22, 2008.
- ^ "Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll dies at age 78".
- ^ "Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll Reveals Cancer Fight". WTAE TV. August 20, 2008. Archived from the original on December 2, 2008. Retrieved November 12, 2008.
- ^ a b Amy Worden (October 17, 2008). "Pa.'s Lt. Gov. Knoll being treated for cancer". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved November 12, 2008. [dead link]