Fort Wayne state senator to Afghanistan, wife to take his place

FORT WAYNE, Ind. -  State senator Jim Banks of Fort Wayne is taking a leave of absence while he serves as a naval reserve supply officer in Afghanistan.

While he is away, his wife Amanda will be filling the position.Banks is the first state lawmaker to serve overseas, and Amanda was the only person to run to fill her husband's seat. 

“I just want to follow in my husband's footsteps. I think he's established a great rapport around the district, and he's been principled, he's been conservative, and I intend to continue that kind of leadership,” says Amanda.

She will be sworn in at the state house next week.