Motherhood plays political role in Massachusetts

Acting Massachusetts Gov. Jane Swift is hospitalized until she gives birth

BOSTON, Massachusetts (CNN) -- As Mother's Day nears, motherhood itself has become a political issue for the Massachusetts governor.

Acting Gov. Jane Swift, eight months pregnant, is expected to remain in a hospital until she gives birth in about nine days. But conducting public business in a hospital bed does not sit well with some of Swift's opponents.

On Wednesday, the governor's councilor, Edward O'Brien, took issue with Swift leading a conference call by speakerphone. O'Brien said Swift should relinquish power to Secretary of State Bill Galvin.

The governor - who is expecting twins -- was admitted Tuesday to Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts after experiencing mild contractions. Doctors said she was in good health.

Supporters say Swift, who at 36 is the nation's youngest governor, is being treated unfairly.

"We have a woman governor -- who is giving birth -- no different than women executives and women all over the world who give birth and have some disruption to the daily routine," said Peter Forman, Swift's chief of staff.

The Republican governor's all-Democratic executive council has asked the state Supreme Court to rule whether Swift can legally conduct meetings under such conditions.

Other opponents have avoided confronting Swift about the controversy. Democratic consultant Mary Anne Marsh said they "haven't been willing to take her on -- on the issues -- as you would with any governor. So in some respects, she's gotten a free pass already."

Swift's political approval ratings have improved recently. Over time, Swift's approval rating has risen from 20 percent into the 40 percent range.

On April 10, Swift had already begun to ease up on her work schedule when she took over for then-Gov. Paul Cellucci who had resigned to become U.S. ambassador to Canada.

After delivery of the twins, Swift has said she plans to take up to eight weeks of maternity leave, but without relinquishing control of her office.

Controversy over pregnancy is no stranger to Swift. In 1998, she made national news by announcing she was pregnant as a candidate for lieutenant governor. She gave birth to her first child, a daughter, three weeks before she was elected.

An ethics panel later found she created an "appearance of impropriety" by allowing aides to baby-sit for the girl and fined her $1,250, according to The Associated Press.

CNN Boston Bureau Chief Bill Delaney contributed to this report.

Massachusetts governor hospitalized days away from delivery
May 9, 2001

Governor of Massachusetts

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