Moral cowardice that keeps us from speaking our minds is as dangerous to this country as irresponsible talk.

Upon leaving office Margaret Chase Smith was the longest-serving female Senator in history a distinction that was not surpassed until January 5 2011 when Senator Barbara Mikulski was sworn in for a fifth term. She also served as treasurer of the Congressional Club a group composed of the wives of congressmen and Cabinet members. She held an all-time voting record in the Senate until 1981 with 2941 consecutive roll call votes.

Senator (1949-1973) from Maine. She was the first woman to serve in both houses of the United States Congress and the first woman to represent Maine in either.