Linda Chavez - Biography
Linda Chavez is chairwoman of the Center for Equal Opportunity, a nonprofit public policy research organization in Falls Church, Va.; a syndicated columnist; and a political analyst.
Her latest book, "Betrayal: How Union Bosses Shake Down Their Members and Corrupt American Politics," describes how unions divert hundreds of millions of dollars into political campaigns, often without their members' knowledge or permission, and the public policy consequences that ensue.
In 2000, Chavez was honored by the Library of Congress as a "Living Legend" for her contributions to America's cultural and historical legacy. In January 2001, Chavez was President George W. Bush's nominee for Secretary of Labor until she withdrew her name from consideration.
Chavez has held a number of appointed positions, among them chairman, National Commission on Migrant Education (1988-1992); White House director of public liaison (1985); and staff director of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (1983-1985). Chavez was the Republican nominee for U.S. senator from Maryland in 1986. In 1992, she was elected by the United Nations' Human Rights Commission to serve a four-year term as U.S. expert to the U.N. Sub-Commission on the Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities.
Chavez serves on the board of directors of ABM Industries, Inc., where she chairs the Compensation Committee, and Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, as well as on boards of several nonprofit organizations. Chavez also chairs the Latino Alliance, a federally registered political action committee.