A full two decades later, 1992 is still universally recognized as “The Year of the Woman” in the annals of congressional history. The next couple of months will decide whether 2013 should become its closest rival. By the numbers, the suddenness of the Capitol’s demographic change in the 103rd Congress remains amazing to consider. Famously fueled by the Anita Hill vs. Clarence Thomas showdown in front of an all-male Senate Judiciary Committee, more women sought and won seats in Washington than ever before in 1992. The number of female senators tripled, from two to six, and two dozen newcomers nearly doubled the ranks of women in the House. (more…)
