Until her courtship with Barkley, Jane Rucker Hadley had been a devoted Republican. In 1940, Mrs. Hadley was working in the St. Louis office of GOP presidential nominee Wendell Willkie. When her milkman expressed fondness for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, she left a note saying, "No Willkie, no milkie".
Before her courtship with Barkley, Jane Rucker Hadley had been an enthusiastic Republican. In 1940, Mrs. Hadley was employed in the St. Louis office of Wendell Willkie's GOP presidential campaign. When her milkman favored President Franklin D. Roosevelt, she left a note indicating, "No Willkie, no milkman."