Author Archives: The Senator's Wife

About The Senator's Wife

I started this blog on a whim thinking it would be fun to write about politics while my husband served in the OK State Senate. The jury's still out on that, but having a front row seat on the sideline of Oklahoma politics has been one big adventure.

Before the Shellacking

Is that even a word? Shellacking? I first heard it used on election night by CNN reporter, John King as he was enthusiastically describing the political tsunami taking place across the country. It continues to show up in reference to that historic night. Thanks, Mr. King. I sat across from you once on a flight from D.C. to Dallas. You seem like a pretty nice guy with a great vocabulary….

Here are a few photos that were taken before the so called shellacking at a fundraising event in our home.

The gathering was for the man on the left, Oklahoma’s newly elected Congressman, James Lankford. He is pictured with Oklahoma’s first female Governor, Mary Fallin, my Senator and a United States Senator. What I love about this photo though, is not just the happy smile on my Senator’s face, but that we had a house full of people. I know that sounds strange but it is no secret around my house hold that I have an aversion to this type of event. Political fundraisers give me the cold sweats. I dread them….I don’t know why, really, and it doesn’t matter. However, his particular event defied all odds. It was festive, fun and extremely crowded. I think people sensed the political tsunami about to take place and were living in the moment. I was a happy camper to participate. I was also happy because my house was clean.

And, thankful to our friend Pam who took photos of the crowd…

Seriously, there were a lot of bodies…..

The newly elected Congressman has some really sweet kids and they were good sports that evening…

I think I was too… considering my aversion to political fundraising events and all…. Just saying.

Election Day Photos…

I have none. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Nothing to commemorate the Senator’s re-election to the State Senate. Heck, I don’t even have a photo of the victory party which most of the state seemed to attend.

So, I will leave you with this from our 2002 campaign and call it a day.

The words younger and thinner come to mind………….

Dear John,

I watched your speech with anticipation last night as the Republicans picked up enough seats to claim the majority in the House of Representatives. You will be their next leader, and I am looking forward to watching you as you set the legislative agenda for our country. Prior to last night, I was unfamiliar with your story, how you have worked hard at so many different jobs and truly lived the American dream. I thank you for sharing that so eloquently with the American people. In fact, many of your newest members share similar stories.

I am a wife and mother living in Oklahoma and I care deeply for our country. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been born here and want a better future filled with endless opportunities for my children and grandchildren. I long for them to dream, and dream big knowing that they live in America, the land of the free and home of the brave. I want them to believe that with hard work, patience and perseverance, anything is possible. My husband and I have worked hard to instill in them those same values and ideals upon which our country was founded.

However, our children have been learning a different lesson from the examples being set in Washington. They hear volumes of denigrating, partisan rhetoric and observe career politicians who serve for personal gain. They see a heavy handed government that acts as if it holds the solution to every problem, a wasteful government that punishes success and spends our money in frivolous fashion.

My children know better. I think you know better. I hope and pray that you do. You now have an extraordinary opportunity to lead our country back to those timeless principles upon which it was founded. Godspeed and good luck Mr. Speaker, we’re rooting for you! Our children’s future depends on it.

Sincerely, a Senator’s wife in Oklahoma