JEANNE SHAHEEN was elected Governor of New Hampshire in 1996, becoming the state's first woman governor and the first Democrat elected Governor in 16 years. As chief executive, she focused on education, health care, and the expansion of high-tech business in New Hampshire. She served three terms as Governor, winning reelection in 1998 and 2000.

In 2002, she was narrowly defeated in her bid for the United States Senate. Prior to becoming governor, Ms. Shaheen served in the New Hampshire State Senate and managed Gary Hart's 1984 presidential campaign. Ms. Shaheen earned her Bachelors degree from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania and a Masters Degree from the University of Mississippi.