After a failed gubernatorial run in 1982, Madeleine Kunin secured 50% of the vote in her second run in 1984, winning against her Republican challenger. John J. Easton, Jr. Forty years ago, Kunin became the first and only woman to Vermont's highest-elected office. She’s also the first and only Jewish person to serve as Vermont’s Governor."I think the women's movement gave me the idea that women could do anything," Kunin said. "And I wanted to be involved in public events, and being in Vermont politics seemed more accessible. We had a small group of people at that time who encouraged each other to do things larger than their personal lives, and I took that seriously."When reflecting on the career of former Vermont Gov. Madeleine Kunin, it’s natural to focus on her historic “firsts.” Once in office, she appointed the first woman to Vermont's Supreme Court, Denise Johnson, She then appointed Mollie Beattie to the Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation, who would go on to become the first woman Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The influence her leadership has had on generations of women. This legacy continued when, two years ago, Becca Balint was elected as Vermont’s first female representative in Congress. Balint’s election ended Vermont’s distinction as the only state never to have elected a woman to Congress.Broadcast live on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.Have questions, comments, or tips? Send us a message or check us…