 In fact, Brown, who is ethnically Jewish (though an atheist theologically), declined to participate in a prayer led by a Christian minister, and the accusation regarding Brown's opposition to the Pledge was false.In 1998, Augustine was elected as the state's first female State Controller, serving in that post until her death.In January 2004, White House officials advised Augustine that she was a finalist to become Treasurer of the United States; however, Anna Escobedo Cabral was subsequently nominated and confirmed as Treasurer.