Page "Italian American" Paragraph 40

: Italian Americans entered politics at the local, state and national levels in large numbers.

In 1950, John Pastore of Rhode Island became the first Italian American to be elected to the Senate.

In the same year, Vincent Impellitteri became mayor of New York City.

Anthony Celebrezze became mayor of Cleveland in 1953, and was later appointed Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare in the Kennedy administration.

Peter Rodino chaired the House Judiciary Committee, and led the impeachment hearings of President Richard Nixon.

John Sirica presided over the Watergate hearings that ultimately led to Nixon's resignation.

John Scali was the U. S. Ambassador to the United Nations from 1973 to 1975.

Ella Grasso was the first woman elected Governor of Connecticut in 1980.

Mario Cuomo was elected Governor of New York in 1982.

Geraldine Ferraro was the first woman vice presidential candidate in U. S. history.

Benjamin Civiletti served as Attorney General from 1979 to 1981.

Frank Carlucci served as Secretary of Defense from 1987 to 1989.