Geraldine Ferraro

Geraldine ferraro will go down in history as the first woman to run for vice president of the United States on a major party's ticket.

Ms. Ferraro, a lawyer, began her political career representing New York's Ninth District in Congress from 1979-85. She championed women's issues, including the Equal Rights Amendment.

In 1984, Walter Mondale chose her as his running mate in the Democratic bid for the White House. Mondale lost to George Bush. Ferraro emerged as a sought-after speaker and analyst. She was a fellow at Harvard and Cornell and has written three books, including an autobiography.

"We've come a long way since '84," Ferraro said by phone. "That election really paved the way for women - and not just in politics."

She ran unsuccessfully for the Senate in 1992 and 1998. She was also a co-host on CNN's "Crossfire" program from 1996 to 98.

Recently, she joined an Arlington, Va., consulting firm, where she advises employers on women's and minority issues.

(c) Copyright 1999. The Christian Science Publishing Society