“Cactus Jack” Garner came out of Texas politics, and so did his wife, Mariette. They met when she opposed Garner's candidacy during his first run for local office. As he climbed the ladder from freshman to Speaker of the House, Jack Garner was ably aided by Mariette. She served as his secretary, advisor, and assistant throughout his career, managing his office and papers, and installing a stove in the Speaker’s hideaway office, where they could retire for home-cooked meals and strategizing.
