[1] She worked as a campaign manager for Kenneth King during his successful run for the Kansas House of Representatives.
She lived for ten years in Saudi Arabia, after her husband, Tom Palmer, was sent there to work for Mobil Oil.
The couple returned to Kansas in 1994, and Palmer credits her time in Saudi Arabia with leading her to enter public service in America.
[1] After returning from Saudi Arabia, Palmer ran for the State House when King retired in 1996, with his endorsement.
In 2004, Palmer successfully challenged fellow Republican David R. Corbin in the primary election for Kansas State Senate in the 16th district, taking 61% of the vote.