This Would be Big

I don't usually delve into national political matters here, but this story is worth noting. Newly-elected New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine is strongly considering appointing an african-american woman to fill out his unexpired Senate term. The story indicates that he is looking toward State Senator Nia Gill, calling her an "extraordinarily capable woman." According to CNN.com:

If Corzine does select Gill -- a 57-year-old attorney -- she would become only the sixth black, and second black woman ever to serve in the U.S. Senate. New Jersey has never had a female or minority U.S. senator. The only black woman to serve in the U.S. Senate was Carol Moseley-Braun of Illinois.

It would appear to be a savvy political move on Corzine's part, but for a number of reasons, I hope that, if selected, she is up to the task. Based on this quote, she seems to have no doubt that she is:

"I have the qualifications," she told The Associated Press on Tuesday. "If I am chosen by Jon, I am more than qualified to rise to the occasion."

The reality (unjustified in my opinion) still is that as a minority, and a female minority at that, Sen. Gill's performance will be of import not only to herself, but to the others that will follow in her footsteps in the future. Here's wishing her the best should this come to fruition.