Hughes, Karen (1956–)

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Hughes, Karen (1956–)

American journalist and presidential advisor. Born Karen Parfitt, Dec 27, 1956, in Paris, France; dau. of Patricia Scully Parfitt and Harold R. Parfitt (US army general, Panama Canal governor, 1975–79); Southern Methodist University, BA in journalism, 1977; m. Jerry Hughes (lawyer); children: Robert.

One of the most powerful women to serve as a White House adviser, began career as a tv reporter for KXAS-TV; became Texas press coordinator for Reagan-Bush campaign (1984), then executive director of Texas Republican Party (1991–93); helped George W. Bush launch his political career as a Texas governor (1994); was director of Communications for his presidential campaign (2000), then served as his adviser (2000–02).

See also memoir Ten Minutes from Normal (2004).

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