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October 7, 2008 1:28:58 PM CDT

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Lawmaker Sees Off Spaceman Hubby

Posted Jun 1, 08 5:07 PM CDT in Politics,  Science & Health,  US 

(Newser) – Arizona lawmaker Gabrielle Giffords waved goodbye as her husband went to work yesterday, in command of the Discovery shuttle. Giffords, who married astronaut Mark Kelly 6 months ago, admits she's nervous about the trip. "You don't really relax" until the shuttle comes home, she told Space.com. "At that point, you can sort of exhale and relax and know that your loved one's safe."

Lawmakers have gone to space before, and astronauts have won elections—but Giffords is the first legislator married to a space-bound traveler. A member of the House Science and Technology Committee, she has attended two other launches: her husband's in 2006, and his identical twin's last year. "I couldn't be prouder," she said.

Source Space.com

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In this handout picture from NASA on Saturday May 31, 2008, commander Mark Kelly is seen at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla. Saturday, May 31, 2008.   (Associated Press)
Space Shuttle Discovery lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla. Saturday, May 31, 2008.   (Associated Press)
Beachgoers watch the launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery from Jetty Park in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, May 31, 2008. D   (Associated Press)
The Space Shuttle Discovery lifts off from launch pad 39a at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, May 31, 2008.   (Associated Press)
The Democratic candidate for the Arizona Congressional District 8, Gabrielle Giffords makes a point during a debate in this Oct. 17, 2006, file photo.   (Associated Press)
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