Sheila Kuehl

Sheila James Kuehl (born February 9, 1941 in Tulsa, Oklahoma) is an American politician and former child actress. As of 2005, she is a Democratic member of the California State Senate, representing the 23rd district in Los Angeles County.

Related Topics:
February 9 - 1941 - Tulsa, Oklahoma - American - Politician - Actress - 2005 - Democratic - California - State Senate - Los Angeles County

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As an actress in her youth, she was known for her portrayal of the "irrepressible" Zelda Gilroy in the long-running 1950s TV show The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. Her own spinoff series as Zelda was cancelled after rumors of her homosexuality circulated, the reason given being that she was too "butch". She subsequently became a feminist lawyer and politician.

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Kuehl was first elected to the California State Assembly in 1994, becoming the first openly homosexual member of the California legislature. In the 1997-1998 legislative session, she was the first woman to be named Speaker pro Tempore of the Assembly. She was elected to the State Senate in 2000. In 2004, she was reelected to her position in a landslide victory with 65.7% of votes.

Related Topics:
California State Assembly - Homosexual - 2004 - Landslide victory

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