Kunin, Madeleine (1933- )

Swiss-born US politician. A Democrat, she was elected to the Vermont house of representatives (1973-78), where she chaired the Appropriations Committee, becoming lieutenant governor (1979-82). As Vermont's governor (1985-91) she reduced state debt, enforced strict environmental codes, and actively recruited women to work in state government. Kunin was born Madeleine May in Zürich, Switzerland, and emigrated to New York City at the age of six. She worked as a journalist in Burlington, Vermont, writing freelance articles while raising her children (1961-71).