User:LizArchive/Addison Cochran

Dr. Addison Alison Carol Kent-Cochran PhD BSc (commonly known by Addison Cochran, or simply her first name Addison, ádɪsən kɔ́krən) is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Pacifica's 4th congressional district, and the sister of the late Governor, Senator, Representative, Secretary and First Lady Elizabeth Kent. She is also the Speaker pro Tempore to Speaker Alex Rivera, and was the Farmer Labor Party nominee for President of the United States alongside Diana Maddow in 2008, not garnering any electoral votes, and being defeated by President pro Tempore Jackson Cole.

Early life
Cochran was born in Seattle, Washington, in 1967. She earned a PhD in obstetrics and gynecology from Seattle Pacific University, and begun working at Harborview Medical Center. She worked for her sister, Elizabeth Kent, as her chief of staff during her 2004 Senatorial career.

Election to U.S. Representative
In 2008, after the death of her sister Elizabeth Kent, Cochran made the decision to run for U.S. Representative, stating - "There must be a Kent in the Government - it seems logical after roughly 22 years of it!"

She was elected unopposed to Pacifica's 4th district after 4 years of vacancy since her sister's appointment to Senate.

111th Congress
Cochran became one of only 8 Representative s during the 111th Congress, and she was selected as Speaker pro Tempore by the Speaker (and former Vice President) Alex Rivera. She was the main sponsor of several resolutions - the most well-known of which being J.R. 01, the Representative Vacancy Amendment, to allow Representatives to be appointed by Governors. Cochran is also known for her support of Cheyenne abolition.