Marge Roukema Biography
Margaret "Marge" Roukema (née Scafati; September 19, 1929:– November 12, 2014) was an American politician from the state of New Jersey. A Republican, Roukema served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1981 to 2003.
Early life and education
Roukema was born Margaret Scafati on September 19, 1929 in Newark, New Jersey. She was the daughter of Claude and Margaret Scafati. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science from Montclair State College in 1951, and she also did graduate work at Montclair State. In addition, she took graduate courses in city and regional planning at Rutgers University.
Career
Roukema began her career as a high school American history teacher in Ridgewood, New Jersey. She also served as a member of the Ridgewood School Board from 1970 to 1973.
U.S. House of Representatives
In 1978, Roukema ran for Congress against in*bent Democratic Congressman Andrew Maguire, losing by approximately 9,000 votes. In 1980, Roukema challenged Maguire again and won; her campaign was helped by successful Republican presidential candidate Ronald Reagan's presence at the top of the ticket. She was re-elected 11 times without facing serious Democratic opposition.
Roukema in 1982Roukema was a moderate Republican known for her staunch support for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). During her congressional career, she represented New Jersey's 7th and 5th congressional districts, respectively. In 1992, she faced a primary challenge from three other Republicans and prevailed. In 1998, conservative Republican State *emblyman Scott Garrett, challenged her in the Republican primary. Roukema managed to fight him off, and did so again in 2000.
Retirement
With the prospect of another primary challenge from Garrett in 2002 (in a district made even more conservative on paper by redistricting), as well as facing the loss of her subcommittee chairs due to caucus term limits, the Ridgewood Republican opted not to seek a 12th term and retired from politics. Despite Roukema's refusal to endorse him, Garrett was elected as her successor. She left office in 2003. At the time of her retirement, Roukema was the longest-tenured female member of Congress.
Personal life and death
Roukema was married to psychiatrist Richard W. Roukema. The Roukemas had three children: Greg, Todd, and Meg. Todd Roukema died of leukemia in October 1976.
On November 12, 2014, Roukema died in Wyckoff, New Jersey at the age of 85. She had Alzheimer's disease.
See also
- Women in the United States House of Representatives
References
External links
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Appearances on C-SPAN
