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Nine and Counting

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The women Senators wrote Nine and Counting based on monthly dinners that they held to share their experiences and insights with each other. The book was written to serve as an inspiration for girls and women to get more involved in politics and change the male-dominated political landscape. All proceeds of the book go to benefit the Girl Scouts of America.

These nine women are more different than they are alike. Their backgrounds, personal styles and political ideals are extremely diverse. But they share a desire to help their constituents while serving as role models for all women. Each Senator brings her own unique perspective to the book.

Barbara Mikulski, Democrat, Maryland: Strong, unpretentious, a masterful strategist and coalition builder, she is "The Dean" of women in the Senate.

Kay Bailey Hutchison, Republican, Texas: A pioneer for women and Republicans in Texas politics. Combines mastery of the issues with utter determination. A direct descendent of a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

Dianne Feinstein, Democrat, California: Her commitment to public service has been tested by time and tragedy, making her one of the Senate's most trusted leaders.

Barbara Boxer, Democrat, California: She entered political life because she refused to stand by and do nothing in the face of public need, and became a powerful voice for the disenfranchised and the environment.

Patty Murray, Democrat, Washington: When the politicians told her she was "just mom in tennis shoes" who couldn't make a difference, she set out to prove them wrong, and in the process opened up new possibilities for women and families.

Olympia Snowe, Republican, Maine: A woman of enduring strength and keen intellect, she embodies New England independence and overcame tremendous adversity to emerge as one of the Senate's leading and most tenacious consensus-builders.

Susan Collins, Republican, Maine: Hardworking, independent and honorable, she kept her promise to be a crusader for better government and quickly became a respected voice in the Senate.

Mary Landrieu, Democrat, Louisiana: Possessed of an altruistic spirit and an agile mind, she helped forge a new coalition within her Party that would challenge politics as usual.

Blanche L. Lincoln, Democrat, Arkansas: Motivated by a passion for public service and a deep love for her state and its people, she beat the odds to bring common sense and a result-oriented approach to government and her Party.