Christine Todd Whitman

Christine Todd Whitman is an American politician and author who served as the 50th Governor of New Jersey and as the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency under President George W. Bush. A moderate member of the Republican Party, she was the first woman to serve as governor of New Jersey. Her tenure in both state and federal government was marked by a focus on environmental policy, tax reduction, and pragmatic governance, though it also included significant controversies, particularly during her time in Washington, D.C..

Early life and education

Born in New York City to a prominent Republican family, she was raised in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Her father, Webster B. Todd, was a businessman and a Republican national committeeman, while her mother, Eleanor Schley Todd, was active in civic affairs. She attended the Far Hills Country Day School before graduating from the Foxcroft School in Middleburg, Virginia. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts in 1968. Her early exposure to Republican politics through her family's involvement significantly shaped her future career path.

Political career

Her political career began with appointments to several state boards, including the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. In 1982, she was elected to the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders, serving until 1987. She then served as president of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities from 1988 to 1990. In 1990, she launched a high-profile but unsuccessful challenge against incumbent U.S. Senator Bill Bradley, a popular Democrat. Despite losing the election, her strong performance in the race against a political heavyweight established her as a rising star within the New Jersey Republican Party and set the stage for her gubernatorial campaign.

Governor of New Jersey

Elected in 1993, she took office in January 1994, defeating incumbent Governor Jim Florio. As governor, her administration was known for a 30% cut in state income taxes and a focus on economic development. She also championed environmental initiatives, including the preservation of over one million acres of land through programs like Garden State Preservation Trust. Her tenure saw the signing of the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act and the implementation of Megan's Law. She was re-elected in 1997, defeating State Senator Jim McGreevey. Her time in Trenton was generally characterized by fiscal conservatism and a bipartisan approach, though she faced criticism from some conservatives for her positions on social issues.

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency

In 2001, she was appointed by President George W. Bush to lead the EPA. Her tenure was immediately dominated by the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, particularly managing environmental health risks around Ground Zero. She publicly assured New Yorkers about air quality safety, a position later criticized. Major policy conflicts arose with the Bush Administration over issues like climate change, the Clear Skies Act, and the regulation of carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. Facing internal opposition from figures like Vice President Dick Cheney, she resigned in June 2003.

Post-government career and views

Since leaving government, she has been a vocal critic of the movement toward ideological purity within the Republican Party. She co-chairs the Republican Leadership Council and served as president of the Republican Main Street Partnership. She authored the book It's My Party Too: The Battle for the Heart of the GOP and the Future of America. She has held positions on corporate boards, including S.C. Johnson & Son and United Technologies. A consistent advocate for environmental conservation, she has also been a fellow at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University and remains a commentator on political and environmental issues.

Category:1946 births Category:American women in politics Category:Governors of New Jersey Category:Living people Category:United States Environmental Protection Agency administrators