Role of first ladies extends beyond Governor’s Mansion

The Clarion-Ledger, 7/13/7

There are times that they outshine their husbands.

“The standing joke when Bill Waller was running for governor was that Carroll Waller ought to be running for governor and he should be campaigning for her,” Sansing said, later sharing that he thought she was well-educated, thoughtful and had “deep beliefs.”

As with other first ladies, Pat Fordice had the opportunity to shape public opinion after her years in the Governor’s Mansion. Her influence was heard in her television and radio shows.

Said Wiseman: “Mrs. Waller … Mrs. Winter and Marsha Barbour and Mrs. Fordice, you’d be proud to introduce as the first lady of the state of Mississippi anywhere.