Rosa DeLauro, Connecticut congresswoman and former Executive Director of EMILY's List . She was elected to the House of Representatives in 1990 and has served as the Congresswoman from Connecticut’s 3rd District ever since. She lives in New Haven with her husband, political strategist Stan Greenberg, and has three children and four grandchildren
In anticipation of the November 6 congressional elections, HuffPost Women spoke with her about who she is, why she's running and how to get involved with her campaign.
What's your favorite quality in another person?
Courage.
What three words best describe you?
Determined, hardworking and passionate.
What's your biggest flaw?
I wish I could sleep longer—I frequently only get four hours or so a night.
What failure are you most grateful for?
I was denied being director of the New Haven Coliseum because I was a woman, described by the New Haven Register, "as a hell of a gal around the office."
If you weren't you, who would you be?
My mother.
If you could live anywhere, where would that be?
New Haven -- there's no place like home.
What woman do you most look up to?
Francis Perkins.
What's the best advice you've ever been given?
A quote from my mother many years ago: “It is not my intention to be critical, rather my motive in writing this article is to encourage the female members of this organization to take a more active part in its affairs. We are not living in the middle ages when a woman's part in life was merely to serve her master in her home, but we have gradually taken our place in every phase of human endeavor, and even in the here-to-fore stronghold of the male sex: politics. I have noticed that the girls, unlike the men, are timid in asserting themselves, and many a good idea is lost, having been suppressed by its creator. Come on girls, let's make ourselves heard.”
What's your joy trigger?
My grandchildren.
What is your favorite book?
"The Life and Times of Elizabeth I" by Antonia Fraser.
What is your favorite album?
I love all sorts of music. "La Boheme" and the Beatles are among my favorites.
Where did you have the best meal of your life?
My grandmother’s kitchen.
What is your favorite thing you've ever worn and why?
I am fortunate [to have] many dresses that I like. Can't choose just one!
What talent do you wish you had?
I want to speak Italian fluently and want to be a tap dancer.
What quality or accomplishment do you want people to know you for?
Enhancing income and nutrition for working Americans, fighting for equal pay for women, ensuring Americans have transparent menu labeling and affordable health care for all Americans.
What makes you feel the most free?
Being an American.
Why are you running?
To make the Congress perform its historic role and use the opportunity to make life better.
What is the most important issue for women in this election?
Helping with the great financial pressures facing women and making sure the great advances in women's health in the ACA are realized.
How can readers get involved in your campaign?
Go to www.rosadelauro.com.