Once upon a time (and a very good time it was not) a woman who achieved electoral office in her own right was a rarity and a threat. Consequently such women often found it necessary to adopt articles of dress that signified, “I’m not a threat; I’m still just a woman.” Think of the white rose worn in her lapel every day by Margaret Chase Smith (R-ME), or Bella Abzug (D-NY)’s notorious hats. Continue reading →