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Reece's story is similar that of [[Irene Baker]], who succeeded her late husband [[Howard Baker, Sr.]] in the House around the same time period for the state's neighboring second congressional district.
Reece's story is similar that of [[Irene Baker]], who succeeded her late husband [[Howard Baker, Sr.]] in the House around the same time period for the state's neighboring second congressional district.
==U.S. House of Representatives==
==Political involvement==
Ever since the former Louise Despard Goff married B. Carroll Reece at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, she began to become actively involved in her husband's political career.<ref>Hill, Ray (March 28, 2021). [https://knoxfocus.com/archives/this-weeks-focus/carroll-reece-tennessees-mr-republican-pt5/ Carroll Reece: Tennessee’s ‘Mr. Republican’ Pt5]. ''The Knoxville Focus''. Retrieved August 10, 2021.</ref> Due to the fact that Carroll Reece was unable to drive, she became his chauffeur.
===U.S. House of Representatives===
In mid-March 1961, Reece's husband died,<ref name=bio>[https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/20216 REECE, Louise Goff]. ''US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives''. Retrieved August 10, 2021.</ref> reportedly of [[lung cancer]]. She soon announced her candidacy for the special election to succeed him, which local Republican politicians threw their support for. The only primary challenge was from oilman Leland Davis, and Reece handily won the primary.<ref name=bio/> She stated during the campaign:<ref name=bio/>
In mid-March 1961, Reece's husband died,<ref name=bio>[https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/20216 REECE, Louise Goff]. ''US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives''. Retrieved August 10, 2021.</ref> reportedly of [[lung cancer]]. She soon announced her candidacy for the special election to succeed him, which local Republican politicians threw their support for. The only primary challenge was from oilman Leland Davis, and Reece handily won the primary.<ref name=bio/> She stated during the campaign:<ref name=bio/>
{{cquote|I thought of a lot of back roads my husband had forgotten.}}
{{cquote|I thought of a lot of back roads my husband had forgotten.}}