University of Michigan graduate and former Washington Post editor Sara Fitzgerald has written what can easily be called the best political biography of the year about Elly Peterson, the first woman chair of the Michigan Republican Party and the first woman to run for U.S. Senate from Michigan.
What makes the book, “Elly Peterson: Mother of the Moderates”, so compelling is it also examines Peterson’s philosophical journey to becoming one of the leaders in the fight for women’s rights and her highly publicized split with the Republican Party.
Keith Molin, who was one of Peterson’s “kids”, said the book for him was a journey down memory lane. Molin, who held numerous political appointments in state government and at one time was the campaign manager for Governor William G. Milliken, said in an interview in Dome Magazine that whenever he had doubts about what direction to take on an issue he would ask himself “What would Elly do”.
Fitzgerald who also has written two novels has crafted a highly readable biography that shows Peterson’s evolution from a Party faithful to the co-chair of ERAmerica and ultimately to her highly publicized endorsement of a Democratic governor. The author, by using Peterson’s detailed papers coupled with extensive interviews with Peterson before her death, is able to show a reasoned journey for a woman who chose principles over politics. This is a book that should be on every political geek’s reading pile for fall especially in light of recent publicity about Gloria Steinham role in women’s rights issues. The book will show you why Peterson was with her every step of the way. Writing for AnnArbor.com Leah DuMouchel probes why the author came to write the book and discovers Fitzgerald’s own “click moment” in her evolving feminism. While at U-M, Fitzgerald became the first woman to be editor of the Michigan Daily. Detroit News columnist Laura Berman also has an interesting look at Peterson’s tussle with Phyllis Schlafly over the Equal Rights Amendment.
When I talked to my former boss, Keith Molin (as director of Michigan Department of Labor), who was one of Elly’s “kids” he was still emotional about the role Peterson played in his life and he contributions she had made to moderate politics. Keith didn’t mention it but I will that as Director of the Michigan Department of Labor under Governor Milliken he established the first Office of Women and Work. The Office was at the forefront of women’s issue during the late 1970s and 80s until it was eliminated by Governor John Engler.
Fitzgerald will be visiting Michigan for several public appearances including the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame where Peterson was inducted in 1984. A small exhibit detailing Peterson’s political life will be on display. The author will be at the Hall, 5:30 p.m., Thursday, August 24.
Every person who cares about what’s going on in national politics should read this book and pass it on; especially to a young woman who more than likely has never heard of Elly Peterson. This book provides insight into a hidden chapter in the fight for women’s rights and a woman from Michigan who was on the frontline of the battle. I’m pretty sure Elly would’ve approved. Follow the author’s take on the national political landscape at her blog.
Fitzgerald’s stops in Michigan are:
August 20 (Saturday)
Women’s Equality Day Luncheon
Luncheon Speaker
One Under Restaurant and Banquet Hall
35780 Five Mile Road
Livonia, Michigan
734.464.5555
11:30 a.m-2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25 by August 12/ $30 after August 13
http://www.lwvoa.org/files/WomensEqualityDay082011.pdf
August 24 (Thursday)
Women’s Equality Day Lecture and Book Signing
Michigan Women’s Historical Center and Hall of Fame
213 W. Main Street
Lansing, Michigan 48933
517.484.1880
http://www.michiganwomenshalloffame.org
August 25 (Thursday)
Women’s Equality Day Lecture and Book Signing
Cosponsored by the Gerald R. Ford Museum and the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council
Gerald R. Ford Museum
303 Pearl Street NW
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504
616.254.0400
7 p.m.
http://www.ggrwhc.org
http://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov
August 26 (Friday)
Courthouse Square Museum
Open House and Booksigning
100 West Lawrence
Charlotte, Michigan 48813
517.543.6999
7 p.m.