There may be changes in their lives in January when her husband John Boehner is expected to become Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and second in the line of presidential succession, but she said who they are has not changed.
John Boehner, R-West Chester Twp. — who was tapped last week to be the top House Republican for the 112th Congress — spends much of his time in Washington, D. C., while Debbie Boehner cares for their home in West Chester Twp. and maintains a career as a real estate agent.
It often means missed birthdays and anniversaries, but, “after 20 years of this, he has his job to do and I have mine to do,” she said. “It’s just accepted. It’s just the nature of the beast.”
Her down-to-earth approach to life doesn’t change when she is surrounded by some of the world’s most famous and influential leaders.
“It’s an awesome feeling to know that you’re sitting in a room with powerful people,” she said.
But at the end of the day, “they’re just people.”
Boehner, a bargain shopper, once got her purse chain stuck on her embroidered shirt while trying to pose for a photo with former President George W. Bush.
“Here comes George Bush to the rescue,” she said. “He’s standing there trying to get the threads out of this chain, and said, “If Boehner would buy you an expensive purse ... .”
There are funny and embarrassing moments, but she said, “you take it all in stride.”
When she met Queen Elizabeth II, the White House was filled with women in beautiful gowns. Boehner said she didn’t stress about what to wear, but rather focused on the honor of the visit.
“I’m pretty casual,” she said. “I don’t relish the idea of having to get dressed up. When we went to the queen’s dinner, I went to Dillard’s and found a dress on sale for $100. I felt comfortable.”
Wednesday, she spent time with other political spouses at a bipartisan reception at the Congressional Club. She and Paul Pelosi, husband of current Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, chatted about the roles their spouses were about to take on, and how much has changed since they began the political journey years ago.
“I never dreamed in my life I’d ever be meeting a queen much less presidents,” she said. “It’s an awesome honor. It’s heartfelt. It’s something everybody doesn’t get the chance to do. There’s so many things happening. If you blink, you won’t remember. It’s been a great ride, and I appreciate the opportunity.”
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