Prior to entering politics, Cochran worked as a child abuse investigation coordinator.

[1] Cochran began her political career in Dedham, Massachusetts, where she was a town meeting member and chairman of the Republican town committee.

In 1982 she ran against Joe Moakley in Massachusetts's ninth congressional district.

In 1986 she was recruited by leaders in the Massachusetts Republican Party to challenge Secretary of the Commonwealth Michael J.

In 1992, she served as David J. Lionett's campaign manager in his race for the seat in Massachusetts's 3rd congressional district.