Judith Moriarty

Judith K. (Judi) Moriarty (born February 2, 1942) is an American politician from Missouri. She was the first woman to serve as Missouri Secretary of State.

Moriarity was born Judith Spry in Fairfield, Benton County, Missouri the daughter of Earl and Blanch Spry. She graduated from high school in Warsaw, Missouri and attended Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg.

Moriarity settled in Sedalia, Missouri and became active in state and local politics. She was appointed to run the local license fee office by Governor Joe Teasdale in 1977. In 1982, Moriarity was elected County Clerk of Pettis County. She was re-elected in 1986 and 1990.

In 1992, Moriarty was elected as Missouri's Secretary of State. She was sworn into office January 11, 1993, becoming the first woman to hold that position. Moriarity caused a stir early in her term when she announced that the Missouri State Manual, published by the Secretary of State and often referred to as the "Blue Book" because of its traditional blue cover, would instead be published with a mauve cover as a tribute to the role of women in Missouri politics. [http://www.showmenews.com/2003/Apr/20030413Feat002.asp]

In 1994 Moriarty was accused of using her position as Secretary of State to help her son file for political office after the deadline had passed by back-dating a form issued by her office. Moriarity was impeached by the Missouri House of Representatives and was removed from office by the Missouri Supreme Court. Governor Mel Carnahan appointed Bekki Cook as Moriarty's successor. In 2002, Moriarty attempted a political comeback. She ran for the Missouri House of Representatives seat representing the Sedalia area. She was defeated in the November election. [http://www.mdn.org/2002/STORIES/MORIARTY.HTM] In 2005, she left the Democratic Party and aligned with the Libertarian Party. Moriarty is reportedly considered running for Governor in 2008, but did not meet the filing deadeline. [http://thirdpartywatch.com/?p=119] .