Campaign Necessities | The Senator's Wife

We had a serious dilemma around our house recently. No, there was not a leak in our roof, the dog was alive and well (the last time I checked) and the dish washer was in full working order…maybe.

No, it was much, much more disturbing than that! September had turned into October, and October was…well, almost over and the Senator did not have a current family photograph to use for next year’s re-election campaign.

We are picky about family photos that are used in campaign literature. They have to have that special element. Something that sets it apart, makes that person stand out. These photos have to be real, but at the same time capture the very essence of the candidate while exhibiting some form of positive energy. Personally, I like them to be edgy and unique. There is an art form to this and my BFF, the Pioneer Woman was just the right person to make it all happen this year.

Thank-you PW for alleviating the stress that knocked on my door daily. I have officially checked campaign photo off the ‘to do’ list!

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.