Originally Posted by TheHighForester

In Mark Sanford's career, Jenny has been far more than "something you show off to other people." To start with, she is independently wealthy--far wealthier than he will ever be. Her grandfather invented the Skilsaw and founded the company which supplies such tools to millions of carpenters, craftsmen, hobbyists, and homeowners today. After graduation from Georgetown, Jenny went to work for a Wall Street investment firm, Lazard Freres. She was a vice-president in charge of training when Mark joined the firm. To a great extent she was both his teacher and the manager of his successful career there. After their marriage and Mark's subsequent return to South Carolina and his entry into politics, she has been both his campaign manager and his closest political adviser at every step.

Jenny Sanford is a supremely capable and experienced woman, and tough as nails. If Mark succeeds in arousing her enmity, she will almost certainly undo him--both personally and politically.