Ellen Tauscher
Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security (since June 2009)
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Tauscher was one of the few members of Congress who has her own brand. Dubbed "Tauscherism" by Time magazine, the former California representative blended fiscal conservatism and an emphasis on national security with more liberal positions on social issues.
However, those views turned Tauscher into a punching bag for netroots activists who want the Democratic Party to move left. Two blogs (aptly named Ellen Tauscher Weekly and Dump Ellen Tauscher) specialized in attacking her every move. But as the former head of a group of moderate congressional Democrats called the New Democrats, Tasucher wielded control over a sizable voting bloc. It was a powerful position - the Washingtonian called Tauscher one of D.C.'s 100 most powerful women - but one that requires constant compromise.
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