Having served in the Lege for a decade, Rep. Howard has endured the progressive long march under GOP domination with patience and determination. On her signature issues of education and health care, she has done her best to blunt the edge of relentless budget-cutting, and has been one of the foremost defenders of women's reproductive rights and real family values. It's been a grind, yes, but her good sense and good humor continue to carry her through – God and the voters willing, the 85th session will bring real allies, real change.
