Kathleen Blanco

Kathleen Blanco is a former governor of Louisiana. She is a member of the Democratic Party and was the state's first woman to be elected governor. She was previously a Louisiana State Representative, and served as governor during the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Her term ended in January, 2008 and she did not seek re-election.

1. January 8, 1996: Begins term as Lieutenant Governor
2. November 15, 2003: Wins Louisiana gubernatorial election by a 4% margin of the popular vote
3. January 12, 2004: Begins term as Governor of Louisiana
4. August 29, 2005: Hurricane Katrina lands in Louisiana
5. September 1, 2005: Orders U.S. National Guard troops to "shoot and kill" rioters and looters in areas affected by the hurricane
6. March 20, 2007: Announces that she will not run for re-election
7. January 14, 2008: Ends gubernatorial term

Blanco was heavily criticized for her management of Hurricane Katrina. She was criticized for her underestimation of the coming crisis before the hurricane hit, the severity of her orders for dealing with looters immediately afterwards, and her management of relief services during the aftermath.

• Born: December 15, 1942

• November 15, 2003: Elected Governor of Louisiana

• January 11, 2004: Assumed office of the Governor

• August 29, 2005: Hurricane Katrina strikes New Orleans

• March 20, 2007: Announces that she will not run for re-election