Pelosi thanks local women for support

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi addressed members of IU's Women's Student Association in a phone call from her chambers in Washington, D.C., last night. Congressman Baron Hill, D-9th, who was with the speaker, introduced her and thanked those who had helped his campaign gain 8,000 votes in Monroe County.\nPelosi also thanked the group for its support in helping Hill's campaign, and credited the outcome of his race in leading the way to a Democratic majority in Congress. \nThe group filled the lounge in Memorial Hall and was hosting a call-out meeting and "Pelosi Palooza" in honor of Pelosi's recent achievement of becoming the first female Speaker of the House. The Women's Student Association was joined by prominent women in Bloomington's political community. Members of the Democratic Women's Caucus including City Councilwoman Susan Sandberg, City Clerk Regina Moore, former councilwoman Charlotte Zietlow, and County Council President Sophia Travis were gathered around the phone to listen to Pelosi. \nPelosi stressed her goal of getting things done in Congress in a timely and ethical way during her nearly 15 minutes of addressing the group. She cautioned that they have a lot of work to do.\n"We have a tall order ahead of us," she said. \nShe spoke about issues on her agenda including defending our country, caring for children and protecting our planet. She announced that Congress just passed a continuing resolution that would give more money in Pell Grants to college students. She said she felt very encouraged by women around the country and in Bloomington, and praised the Democratic Women's Caucus and the Women's Student Association for their efforts and support for her. \n"Having a woman speaker means women in America having a friend in the speaker's office," Pelosi said. \nJohn Zody, Baron Hill's 9th District regional director and vice chair of the Monroe County Democratic Party was with the group in Bloomington. He said he was very excited about Pelosi's recent accomplishment. \n"You need different view points," he said. "Gender diversity is a big part of that. I think it's great."\n"Nancy Pelosi is the kind of person that values reaching groups. Because she appreciates that kind of thing, that's why she is where she is," Travis said. \nAlthough the Women's Student Association is a nonpolitical organization, Community Outreach Director Lisa Loew said she believes celebrating influential women is important. \n"Having a woman in such a high position of power is good for all women," Loew said. \nPelosi, who has been to Bloomington a number of times, said she hopes to visit again soon. She ended her phone call with an upbeat attitude and positive outlook. \n"We will make a difference," she said.