Women have more power than ever in Pennsylvania’s legislature, but lawmakers say big hurdles remain – By Kate Huangpu (Spotlight PA) / Mar 24 2023
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HARRISBURG — When Emily Kinkead asked Lisa Bennington for advice on running for elected office, the former Pennsylvania state lawmaker gave blunt words of warning:
“Don’t run, you’re so smart. There’s so many other things you can do.”
Bennington, a Democrat, won an Allegheny County state House seat in 2006 but only served one term before retiring and returning to family law. She said the “paternalistic” culture of the legislature and its deference to seniority kept her from achieving her legislative priorities.
