Who is Ronni Alexander from The Widening Gyre and what is their importance?

Ronni is Meade Alexander's wife. At first glance, she seems to be the perfect political wife. She adores her husband, speaks softly, and appears to be a conservative, virtuous woman. In reality, however, Ronni struggles with alcohol, drugs, and extramarital affairs, and although her drinking problem is common knowledge..... the drugs and affairs are not.