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Marilyn quit working shortly after her second child was born, and brought her efficiency and drive to housekeeping. Innately frugal, she shops at bargain stores and does her own daily housework, but she has always made sure -- at least up to now -- that the Senator did his fair share. The Quayles shun the social circuit. When the family moved to the Washington area in 1977, a former aide recalls, "Marilyn was at the school as often as the teachers." She directed children's school plays, did PTA and Little League, and does not allow her three children -- two boys and a girl -- to watch television. She was just as attentive to Dan Quayle's career, reading his paperwork at home, clipping articles and offering advice on strategy. She also found time to join Joanne Kemp and Susan Baker's Bible study group.
She shares her husband's conservative views, opposing abortion and the ERA, but comes off as more of a true believer than Quayle. In appearances and interviews, Marilyn has proved to be poised, self-possessed and far defter than her husband at deflecting hostile questions.
Toward the end of the campaign, her stock was so high that politicians speculated on whether she would be appointed to fill Quayle's Senate seat. The move was never feasible, but Marilyn felt flattered, and heightened press interest for a while by coyly refusing to deny it. Now she is busy changing the children's schools (the family is moving into Washington from McLean, Va.) and redoing the vice-presidential residence. She is soliciting a donation of $150,000 from friends to cover the renovations needed for a family with three growing children.
Unlike Barbara Bush, who has long toiled against illiteracy, Marilyn may not pursue good works. She says her interests run more to foreign affairs and "substantive" issues. She is even considering joining a Washington law firm -- provided her official duties and conflict-of-interest concerns permit it. "She understands the role," says her friend and tennis partner Joanne Kemp, "but if she can find a way to do it differently that is proper, she will." At her Christmas party, a reporter told her jokingly that as the Vice President's wife she could set her own style. Marilyn smiled saucily and replied, "That's right -- the flip is back."