Contributors in political science, educational leadership, policy studies, and women's studies explore the issues women must confront when seeking to serve in the executive branch of government. The first part of the book concentrates on women's pathways to federal executive positions such as the presidency, vice presidency, house speakership, and presidential appointments, examining women in the Obama administration and the vice presidency as the new glass ceiling. Part 2 examines women in executive office at the state and local levels, discussing how party and gender affect policy agendas for women governors and highlighting factors affecting women's decisions to run for mayor. Part 3 addresses barriers for women seeking executive office, such as lack of support among elites, campaign finance issues, and the need to counter stereotypical roles of female spouses of male executives. A conclusion defines the future research agenda on women in executive positions. Rose is affiliated with the Oregon University System. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)