Rhiannon Bingham
From Usgovsimulation
Rhiannon Skye Bingham is an attorney, activist, and politician. She is the incumbent United States Representative for the Eighth Congressional District of California. She is a member of the Democratic Party.
Early Life
Rhiannon was born Jume 11, 1978, in San Franisco, California. Her father is Issac Oakgrove Bingham, Grand Druid of Ár nDraíocht Féin (A Druid Fellowship), and her mother is noted Wiccan author Laurie Cabbot Bingham. Rhiannon had an older sister, Anna Delores Bingham, who passed away from an AIDS-related infection in 2002. She learned her politial and social views from those with whom she socialized, especially within the neo-pagan comminuty, and was active in social and environmental issues as early as age 13.
College and Politics
After graduating as Salutorian of the Class of 1995 from Ida B. Wells High School, she applied for and was granted an academic scholarship to the law program at the University of California at Berkley. Upon graduation in 2000, she went to work in the San Francisco Public Defender's office, and also did some pro bono work for some of her fellow pagans. In 2003, she was promoted to a deputy position within the San Francisco District Attorney's office. Also during this time, she worked as a volunteer for John Kerry's 2004 Presidential campaign, as well as some work for incoming Mayor Gavin Newsome.
It was during Kerry's campaign that she first seriously entertained the idea of running for pubic office. Ultimately, it was Mayor Newsome himelf that encouraged her to run for the vacant 8th Distrit Congressional seat. She took the dive, and in 2008 was swept in on the coattails of Barack Obama's historic Presidential vitory, defeating her Repubican opponent by a ten-point margin.
Personal Life
Rhiannon was raised as a neo-pagan by her Wiccan mother and Druid father. She credits this upbringing for her social tolerance and her strong desire to protect the environment. She describes herself as "eclectic pagan", borrowing from the beliefs of both her parents, among others.
She is very close to both her parents, who have been married 37 years. She was also particularly close to her sister, Anna, and her death was nothing short of a personal tragedy for Rhiannon. She coped with this as most people would, by turning to her family, friends, and her religion for strength.
Rhiannon is openly bisexual. During her college years, she was known to be one-fourth of a polyamorous relationship with another woman and two men. The relationship ended amicably in 2002, and she is still friends with the other three. Rhiannon is currently single, and has no immediate plans for a serious relationship, but has been heard to say that "if something happens, I won't object".
