Ballot Box

Profile: Carol Moseley Braun

Last week, Slate began a series of short features explaining who the 2004 presidential candidates are, what they’ve said and done, and where they propose to take the country. The first installment summarizes each candidate’s personal and professional background. Today’s subject is Carol Moseley Braun.

Carol Moseley Braun

Web site: www.carolforpresident.com.

Age: 55 (born Aug. 16, 1947).

Highest grade completed: Law school (1972).

Political experience: Federal prosecutor, Chicago (1973-1977); member and assistant majority leader, Illinois House of Representatives (1978-1998); Cook County recorder of deeds (1988-1992); U.S. senator, Illinois (1993-1999); ambassador to New Zealand (1999-2002).

Asserted achievements: Sponsored brownfields tax law for environmental remediation; crafted tax policy to help widows get pension benefits, supported Balanced Budget Amendment.

Previous jobs: Newspaper columnist; law school professor.

Spouse: None.

Previous marriages:One (1973-1988).

Children from previous marriage: Adult son.

Military history: None.

Medical history: None reported.

Parents’ jobs: Father was a law enforcement officer and musician. Mother was a medical technician.

Net worth: $212,000-$580,000

Religion: Catholic, but attends an Episcopal church.

Campaign song: You Gotta Be” (Des’ree).