Politics Today: First Ladies of the Tri-States

By: Krystle Russin

One hundred years ago, the First Lady’s primary role was to stand behind her husband. Today, though that still may be one of their main goals, they have also taken on innumerable responsibilities beyond the family. Political spouses of the current generation are now campaigning not only on their husband's issues, but on their individual beliefs as well. These initiatives, as seen with the following First Ladies’, are part of the major influences in their states. These incredible women have the ability to create a lasting effect on society. However, while these First Ladies can permanently change the progress of statewide development, they are also real people. During the day, they may be helping to improve the communities and their states’ people, but when they are done working they still must go through the same daily family conflicts as everyone else is trying to raise their kids. They have the same challenges and struggles that we do also.’ ”

And what are her thoughts on her predecessor, now serving in Washington as a member of the U.S. Senate, Jean Carnahan? “Jean and Mel have been partners through the years with his campaign...Jean is very, very smart and very, very compassionate, and I think she has improved herself for herself in the role of U.S. Senator.”

Mrs. Holden’s next projects are two reading programs titled, ReadMOre and First Read, which is partnered with Coca-Cola and Scholastic, Inc. While ReadMOre encourages Missourians to pick up reading as a hobby, First Read “provides books for children of low-income families that might not have the opportunity to have books in their homes.” “However I can help promote reading, I want to do,” she says.

In this interview with the First Lady of Missouri, Mrs. Holden discusses everything from family life to her actions if ever in Senator Carnahan’s situation.

Q: Do you ever see yourself running for office?

 I think public service is a very high calling of a profession. Lives are changed by good people in public office. So I could see myself possibly, yes, running for office on my own rights someday.

Q: What problems, if any, have occurred with family life because of your husband’s political career? 

Were these something you had expected? Please explain.
A: First of all, I think being here in the governor’s office and living here in the governor’s mansion, that is a totally different world. You can’t prepare for the huge responsibility that is suddenly thrust upon you. The minute you are governor, it’s extremely demanding and hard...It’s a whole different political arena than any other office...

Maybe, possibly, I was a little bit naïve. I really didn’t have a grasp on how different it would be, being in this high, high position compared to even another statewide office...There is no comparison to the demands on you: work wise or personally.

But as for my family - ...Ig the public and private lives that we lead here.

Q: What causes are you currently or would like to be involved in? What factors made you decide to join that cause(s), and how do you think it will make a difference in our society?

A: ...When I leave here, I hope there will be things, and I’m striving towards that. I want there to be things that people can point to and say, “Mrs. Holden did a good job on this. This is something that she cared about. These are differences that she made.” Let me tell you what some of those are.

Education,...because it is the foundation that we build everything upon...I do firmly believe that arts in our education curriculum add and enhance so much from a learning aspect...So the arts is something that I’m very passionate about and duck-tailing that into working with strong, good art programs within our public schools. Health care issues because I say especially for a child, the child’s not going to do well in school unless they’re healthy. They’re not goihave such great products in the state of Missouri, whether it be agricultural products...or the great wines, jellies, and all the different food products that we have...

What I also consider part of that program is our great arts and crafts. We have great, great artists in the state of Missouri...I want people to know that in Missouri, we can get great things here. I’m very proud of Missouri being a strong tourism state.

I think my role as ambassador for this state is actually one that I cherish and enjoy the most. In fact, last night I was the M.C. in an event over at Truman State University...That’s what I get true, true pleasure from because I love this state, and I like to brag about it every chance I get. My ambassador role as First Lady is one that I take a lot of pride in and I thoroughly enjoy.

Q: In what ways do you believe Missourians’ lives have been affected because of the terrorist attacks on September 11?

A: I hope out of something that is so horrific and so horribse bad, evil acts stop us in our daily life...We just have to take some precautions and be a little bit aware. We were robbed of our innocence...I do think that the Governor of the state of Missouri has really acted very well to make sure its citizens were safe.

Q: How do you plan to change the state of Missouri for the future?

A: I hope that I can use our time wisely here and help promote the good things that are occurring. We have a lot of good programs, there’s great things happening. I think it’s changing people’s lives every single day...If we all stand together, we will be able to make great, positive changes...

For instance, last month of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I had done several breast cancer events. I was very proud...We turned the Capitol dome pink for three nights to honor breast cancer survivors...If one woman’s life was hopefully saved by just my being part of an awareness campaign, that makes all the difference, that makes everything and every effort Real campaign. During Illinois’ Red Ribbon Week, the Illinois Drug Education Alliance chose Be Real as the main theme. Mrs. Ryan noted, “Our strong focus on prevention and education is getting exciting results. While substance abuse is still the number one health problem facing our young people, more Illinois youth are making the right choices when it comes to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use.”

In the following interview, Mrs. Ryan speaks of several important topics, including the Be Real program, the events of September 11, and how her private life has been affected.

Q: In what major ways has your private life been changed by being married to someone involved in politics?
A: George's career in politics totally changed our lives and brought us in directions we never could have imagined back when George owned a pharmacy business in Kankakee. During these many years, we have met so many wonderful people who have become dear friends. 

Through Be Real we are showing teens that the only way to succeed is to stay true to yourself, your values, and your body and the way to do that is to stay off drugs. We are using a positive message told by real kids who are true role models in their communities throughout Illinois. Alcohol, tobacco and drugs are destructive and this message is a positive counter that lets teens know that it's cool to be real.

We are working together with the Partnership for Drug Free Youth and we certainly hope that more states and more individuals come together to promote the national anti-drug message. We've chosen Be Real as our message and so far we've had a tremendous response.

Q: In the future, will you ever become part of the political spotlight and run for office yourself? 

What could change s a considerable amount of time, and the children were especially patient and understanding when they were growing up. I also learned that there are many, many people in this state who are served by the resources of state government. It has been a privilege to be a part of improving the quality of life for the people of Illinois.

 

Krystle Russin writes for The State Journal-Register(IL) and contributes political articles/interviews to several publications including PurePolitics.com.