From her Republican youth to her more recent roles at the forefront of the Democratic Party, Hillary Rodham Clinton is one of the most significant female political figures in United States' history. She has spent a lifetime in public service, working as an attorney to secure children's rights and improve access to health care. During her eight years as first lady, she played an important role in matters of public policy, and she has continued her political involvement with two terms as a New York state senator. But with her campaign for the presidency in 2008, many believe her political career is just beginning.