WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP): A Purdue University professor has written a book that takes a close look at the state of Maryland's black female lawmakers and what drives their political decisions.
 
       Nadia E. Brown is an assistant Purdue professor in political science and African American studies. Her new book, “Sisters in the Statehouse: Black Women and Legislative Decision Making” was published this month by Oxford University Press.
 
       Her book is an in-depth study of 20 black female lawmakers who served in the 2009 Maryland legislature. It explores their political behavior on issues including domestic violence, marriage equality and caring for the elderly.
 
       Brown's research focuses on politics and power and the visibility of black women in American politics. The U.S. had nearly 7,800 female state lawmakers in 2013, and 239 of them were black.