By Santee Ross, University of Montana

Susan Allen has a couple “firsts,” to add to her resume. She’s the first American Indian woman to be elected to the state legislature in Minnesota. She’s also the first American Indian lesbian to be elected to state legislature anywhere.

No wonder the girl has got media all over her like white on rice.

Let me just say, major kudos to Allen. She's pioneered her way into politics, of which she is a newcomer. Those are some amazing “firsts,” for someone being freshly thrown into the political arena.

I can see how through her determination against economic and social injustice, carried with her grace, it was easy to vote her into office.

It also helps that her district is comprised of progressive thinkers. It seems the American Indian and LGBT communities support her greatly. She has a couple priorities on her agenda that pass both communities approval.

After reading about Allen, I’ve come to realize that I love her. Not in the romantic sense but in the “can I have your autograph,” sense.

I love that she’s an American Indian woman, let’s emphasize that last part, woman to hold a state legislature office. On top of that she’s lesbian. She’s like a triple threat of minority and I love it.

Not only is she this powerhouse of minority but she’s got a certain moxie she brings to the table. She's a take the life by the horns kind of woman--kind of like a native Hilary Clinton.

I’m anxious to follow her political career to see how far her moxie will take her. My guess is that she has plenty more “firsts,” to add to her resume.

Santee Ross (Hopi/Lakota) is from Lander, Wyo.