RON THORNBURGH
Secretary of State |
STATE OF KANSAS |
Memorial Hall, 1st Floor
120 SW 10th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66612-1594
(785) 296-4564
www.kssos.org
|
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Sunday, February 04, 2001
Contact Information
Jesse Borjon, Communications Director
Office of the Secretary of State
(785) 296-4580
jesseb@kssos.org
KASSEBAUM BAKER TO RECEIVE MARGARET CHASE SMITH AWARD
Former Senator Nancy Kassebaum Baker will be presented with the 2000 Margaret Chase Smith
American Democracy Award Feb. 4 at the Capitol Hilton Hotel in Washington, DC. The presentation will
take place during the National Association of Secretaries of State conference.
NASS presents the award to recognize persons who demonstrate uncommon courage, exceptional
character, and/or selfless deeds. Former recipients include Rosa Parks, Elizabeth Dole, Daisy Bates, and
George Mitchell.
Kassebaum Baker is being recognized for her leadership as the first women elected to the United
States Senate that was not the widow of a Congressman. Her courage is seen in dealings with South
Africa’s apartheid government in the 1980s as the chair of the African affairs subcommittee. Kassebaum
Baker also led the successful effort to increase funding to rural communities to fight AIDS.
“Kassebaum Baker is not only a leader in Kansas, but a leader throughout the world. It is an honor
to present this award to a fellow Kansan and public servant,” said Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh who
nominated Kassebaum Baker for the award.
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