Former Congresswoman Pat Schroeder To Speak at Brandon Democratic Event

Former Congresswoman Pat Schroeder is coming to speak in Brandon.

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Schroeder represented Colorado from 1973 to 1997.

She is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the Dec. 10 holiday party of the East Hillsborough County Democratic Club, invited by a club member who bumped into her at a Gloria Steinem speech at Rollins College in October.

“Somebody mentioned Pat was there and I invited her to come [to Brandon],” said Gail Gottlieb, who was in Orlando as well to attend the 2011 Florida Democratic Party State Convention.

“For us it means Brandon has arrived,” Gottlieb added. “It’s a recognition for this area of Hillsborough County that it plays a pivotal role in electoral politics. That this certainly is no backwater, that we have a whole range of political views here. It bespeaks of a political sophistication.”

Schroeder is known for her “biting wit and political barbs,” notes an event release from the local Democratic club, citing a Women in Congress biography of the 71-year-old politician. “Though political rivals and some male colleagues at first dismissed her as ‘Little Patsy,’ Pat Schroeder became the forceful doyenne of American liberals on issues ranging from arms control to women’s reproductive rights during her 24-year House career.”

Gottlieb said as a student she first became aware of Schroeder.

“Pat Schroeder has been a towering figure in American politics for as long as I have been aware of politics, going back to my high school days,” Gottlieb said. “That she has had the courage to take on entrenched interests is inspiring, not just for the women for whom she’s blazed a path but also for all public servants.”

Gottlieb looks forward to the holiday meeting of the East Hillsborough County Democratic Club, which is open to members and to others interested in learning more about the club and its keynote speaker.

“Our club is one of the most active and engaged political organizations in the county,” Gottlieb said. “Not only are we expecting a great deal of insight, we’re expecting also to have a great time.”

East Hillsborough County Democratic Club's Holiday Party

The Dec. 10 event is scheduled for the , 10309 Highland Manor Drive, at the corner of Falkenburg Road and Martin Luther King Boulevard. A cash-bar reception is from 6:30-7:30 p.m, followed by a buffet dinner and dessert until 10 p.m.

The minimum cost of attendance is $50 per person, or $400 for a table of eight attendees. To attend, payment must be received by Dec. 5.

Make check or money order payable to the "East Hillsborough County Democratic Club" and mail to the club at P.O. Box 3383, Brandon, FL, 33509.

Or, visit the club online and use your Paypal account.

Dress is "festive, party" and there will be a raffle drawing for tickets to a theatre performance.

Menu choices are Pan-Seared Tilapia with Creamy Mushroom Sauce or Sliced Roast Beef with Cracked Peppercorn Sauce. Also: house salad; garlic rosemary, red-bliss potatoes; green bean casserole; and warm rolls and butter. The dessert spread to include petit fours, tortes, holiday pies and cakes and mini-desserts.

There will be no refunds. Payment will be considered a donation to the club but will not be tax-deductible.