igation experience.
In 1969, she entered politics when the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors appointed her to a vacant seat in the Arizona State Senate. In 1970 and 1972, she was reelected to this seat and elected majority leader by her fellow Republicans in 1972. She quickly acquired a reputation for always being prepared and attentive to details. While most senators would rely upon their skills of persuasion to win debates, she would overwhelm her opponents with her homework. She was quick to challenge the others on small details and would often refer to the strict language of the legislation in question. On the other hand, several colleagues would later comment that they could not remember her substantive stands on controversial issues, especially abortion. She often took a non-ideological approach to such issues.
In 1974, she decided to return to the law itself, leaving her senate position to run for a superior court judgeship. After winning the election, she again impressed observers with her abilities. She became known as an
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