Blue America Welcomes Franke Wilmer (D-MT)
But just as important as her academic accomplishments and record of public service are her life experiences. In her early 20s, Franke was a divorced single mother with no child support and few prospects. All she knew was waitressing, and she relied on that to support herself and her daughter while completing her college degree. It took her 16 years, often working two jobs and even 2 years working as a carpenter. “I know what it’s like not to be able to afford health insurance,” she told me last year when I first talked with her. “I know what it’s like to take a pocket full of tips to the energy company to pay my heating bill.”
