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.

Who Knew

Roughly sixteen years ago when I first met my senator, I had no idea he was remotely interested in politics. He was a small businessman who liked to volunteer in the community. He lived in a “batch” pad, had lots of friends and seemed to be a part of most every non-profit fundraiser or civic event in town. It was not long before he involved me with some of these philanthropic adventures. My senator had me manning a booth at our local arts festival and attending black tie events.

We ran a 10K race together, back when we both looked good in spandex.

And, he even got me to ride on a motorcycle! (Shhhh, don’t anyone tell my dad!)

Regardless of all the quality time we were spending together, conversations about politics were just not discussed. And, believe it or not, it was a welcome relief to this political junkie. I mean, what if his political opinions were vastly different from mine? After all, I had just returned home from Washington D.C. having spent several years working “inside the beltway” . I had campaigned for our state’s senior U.S. Senator back when he was Governor. Yes, I was only seven at the time, but politics had always been my sport and I had some serious political opinions. This good looking, businessman, ‘ not yet senator’ was a breath of fresh air! Besides, I am sure he knew that anything remotely related to politics would be a horrible way to converse on a first date!

To be continued…

The Infamous Campaign Photo

Anyone who runs for political office finds it necessary to have a really nice family photograph.

The first year my senator ran, we used our family Christmas card picture. Four years later, we did the same. Although, in honesty, we knew a re-election was around the corner, so we hired that same wonderful, professional photographer which proved to be a very smart move. When young children are involved, I have found it to be a lot easier to get them to “smile” in a picture they thought was for a Christmas card then if it were for daddy’s campaign.

So, they don’t like being used as props…go figure. I was just proud to have pulled it off… Christmas card and possible campaign picture – two for the price of one. Well, sort of. That very nice and wonderful photographer allowed us to use his photo for campaign purposes even though a small fee was involved. Just chalk that one up to the price of doing business.

Here are the two infamous campaign photos.

Campaign Photo #1

Campaign Photo #2

It goes without saying that Campaign Photo #3 is out there looming on the horizon.

Just think, if you have a great family photo, then you too have just met the first requirement of running for public office.

Love, the Senator’s wife

P.S. More political paraphernalia coming soon!

Political Terminology

It is a new day in Oklahoma politics, especially at our state capitol where the Republicans have taken control of the state senate for the first time in our 101 year history. Recently, my senator returned from a caucus meeting at the capitol where they discussed ‘caucus stuff’. Please note that a security clearance must be required to learn what they talked about because they certainly won’t tell you the details of what went on in that room. I have this image of a bunch of men with their sleeves rolled up, sitting around smoking cigars. Kind of like the t.v. series Madmen, except they are not drinking whiskey at 10:00 a.m. down at the capitol – at least not yet.

The political terminology used down at the capitol can be rather amusing – especially if you have absolutely no idea what the words mean. Here are a few of my favorites:

Sine Die – Indefinitely ( They use this word signifying the last day of the legislative session. So, I assume that means they plan to adjourn indefinitely.)

President Pro Tempore – The Senator who presides over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President. One can safely assume that the ‘Pro Tem’ is always presiding because the Vice President rarely makes it to Oklahoma.

Whip – A member of the legislative body, charged by his party with enforcing discipline and insuring attendance. As in Whip in, or to keep together, as members of a political party. (How about whipping it up a little bit Senators!)

And, then my favorite: PEW, Post Election Withdrawl Syndrome- an ailment from which I am currently suffering.