Janet Ritchie was the First Lady of Florida from 1997 to 2005, and wife to Governor Robert Ritchie. During her husband's campaign in the 2002 presidential election, Ritchie stated on the record, "Being a wife and a mother are the most rewarding roles I've ever played. I think Abbey Bartlet and I have two different ambitions." This was highly noted by the press and Bartlet for America campaign director Bruno Gianelli believed that Phyllis Schlafy and Ann Coulter would soon get involved on Mrs. Ritchie's side.