Madame Speaker: Anticipating how Pelosi will run the House

Published: 2007-01-05

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Rep. Nancy Pelosi's ascent to the post of speaker of the House of Representatives puts her in the spotlight for a variety of "firsts." She's the first woman, the first Italian-American and the first Californian to hold the post. At a Jan. 3 Mass at Trinity University in Washington, Pelosi's alma mater, focusing on the children of Darfur and Hurricane Katrina victims, Jesuit Father Robert Drinan, a former member of Congress, noted that she's the first mother in the seat. Beyond the firsts, Pelosi is a well-known player with a reputation for effective leadership and for listening to people on all sides of issues. Her selection as House speaker is considered a good sign for the chance to pass some legislation on the church's agenda. But Pelosi, a Catholic, also is eyed cautiously because of her record of support for legal abortion. George Wesolek, director of the Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns for the Archdiocese of San Francisco, has worked with Pelosi and her staff for 21 years. Her congressional district encompasses most of San Francisco. "She's been very, very helpful on many issues and we disagree strongly on others," Wesolek said. "And I talk with her very frankly about those."

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