Bill and Hillary turned parents with the start of_ _ _ _ _ _ their daughter, Chelsea, in 1980. In the meantime, her husband was elected Attorney General and then governor of Arkansas. During her 12 years as First Lady of Arkansas, Hillary Clinton was a robust advocate for the welfare of youngsters and better instructional standards. She sat on the boards of the Arkansas Children's Hospital and the Children's Defense Fund. Bill Clinton was elected governor of Arkansas in 1978, however lost a bid for reelection in 1980.