Shirley McKague

Shirley J. McKague (née Woolard, December 4, 1935 – May 21, 2020) was an American politician from Idaho. She was an Idaho State Senator, representing the 20th District as a Republican from 2007 to 2012. She previously served as an Idaho State Representative for Districts 14B and 20B from 1997 until her appointment to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator Gerry Sweet.

Early life and career
McKague was born in Nampa, Idaho in 1935 and raised in Meridian. She graduated Nampa High School in 1953. McKague and her husband Paul have six children.

Before entering politics, McKague was a:
 * Secretary, Idaho State House, 1986–1996
 * Columnist, Valley Times, 1980–1982
 * Business Partner/Book Keeper, Family Service Station, 1969–1996
 * Legal Secretary, Carey Nixon, Esquire, 1963–1970
 * Stenographer, Idaho Public Utilities Commission, 1960–1963

Political career
McKague previously worked as:
 * Idaho State Representative, 1997–2007
 * House Committee Secretary, 1986–1997
 * Precinct Worker and Committeeman, 1986

Committees
McKague was a member of:
 * Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee
 * Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee

Idaho Senate District 20
In February 2012, McKague announced her retirement and endorsed fellow Republican Senator Chuck Winder; redistricting had placed them both in the newly redrawn Senate District 20. McKague worked until the end of the legislative session in December 2012.

2010
McKague defeated Mike Vuittonet in the Republican primary with 60.1% of the vote. McKague was unopposed in the general election.

2008
McKague defeated Mark Snodgrass in the Republican primary with 53.4% of the vote. McKague defeated Democratic nominee Laurynda "Ryndy" Williams with 68.7% of the vote in the general election.

McKague was appointed to the vacant Senate seat for District 20 caused by the resignation of Senator Gerry Sweet, took office early in 2007.

2006
McKague was unopposed in the Republican primary. McKague defeated Democratic nominee Chuck Oxley and Libertarian nominee Kevin Charles Jaeger with 65.59% of the vote in the general election.

2004
McKague was unopposed in the Republican primary. McKague defeated Democratic nominee Kenton S. Travis with 65.6% of the vote in the general election.

2002
McKague was unopposed in the Republican primary. McKague defeated Democratic nominee Richard Harlan and Libertarian nominee David Lieberman.

2000
McKague defeated Steve Coyle, and Trevor A. Chadwick in the Republican primary with 62.8% of the vote. McKague defeated Democratic nominee Jim Corey with 61.1% of the vote.

1998
McKague defeated Milt Erhart again in the Republican primary with 61.1% of the vote. McKague defeated Gilda Bothwell this time as the Natural Law nominee and Platt Thompson Reform party nominee with 80.6% of the vote.

1996
McKague defeated WesLee Hoalst, and Milt Erhart in the Republican primary with 45% of the vote. McKague defeated Democratic nominee Glida Bothwell with 67.3% of the vote in the general election.