Preparation for this week’s Iowa caucuses has put members of one Christian family in different political camps. U.S. Rep. Tom Tauke (R-Iowa) is cochairman of George Bush’s Iowa campaign, while his wife, Beverly Hubble Tauke, is cochairing Robert Dole’s campaign in Iowa.
Tom, a Catholic active in congressional Bible studies, says he decided to work for Bush because of the vice president’s “character, his experience, and his philosophical approach to government.… Bush’s life is a study in commitment to family and public service, and I admire that.”
Meanwhile, Beverly, a graduate of Wheaton (Ill.) Graduate School, said she backs Dole because he is “committed to my values but also a gifted legislator and a policy maker who can effectively relate to Democrats and Republicans alike.”
Tom emphasized that he and Beverly discuss politics a great deal, but out of loyalty to their respective candidates they don’t say much about the individual campaigns. And while their loyalties differ, the Taukes agree that involvement in presidential politics has not weakened their marriage.
“Actually, we have had a wonderful time with it,” Tom says.
The Taukes’ 15 month-old son, Joseph, has been courted by both camps. Early in the campaign, Tom bought Joseph a T-shirt proclaiming “Babies for Bush” on the front, and “I still love you, Mom” on the back. Beverly has considered retaliating with a poster-sized photo of Joseph being held by Dole.
When the joking subsides, however, the Taukes take their political activities seriously. “I think it is so important that there be an understanding within the Christian community that it’s a very healthy thing for evangelicals to be involved to some extent in the political process across the board,” said Beverly. “… All these candidates [from both parties] are going to have influence in society in the years to come, and it’s important that they all have supporters and advisers who have a commitment to Jesus Christ.”
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