Swift won widespread praise for her response to the September 11 attacks in 2001 and for her management of the fiscal crisis that followed in Massachusetts . On the day of the attacks , Swift insisted that polls remain open for a special congressional primary election scheduled for that day , and later led a comprehensive , statewide response to prevent further acts of terrorism . In addition , Swift led 45 governors in urging Congress to create the Department of Homeland Security . The '' Boston Herald '' summarized her response to the crisis , stating , " Acting Gov. Jane Swift has had her finest hour during this crisis ... she has been steady , stable , calming , decisive . " Faced with a widening budget deficit in the aftermath of the attacks , Swift cut nearly $ 300 million in programs and vetoed nearly $ 600 million in proposed spending . She received high praise from the Massachusetts High Tech Council for her response to the budget crisis without resorting to massive tax increases
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Jane Swift