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

Meade Alexander is a Massachusetts politician, who is currently running for Senate. His campaign is based on family values, right-wing reform, and Christian principles. Unfortunately, his wife doesn't fit in with his campaign, as she regularly indulges in extramarital affairs and drinks far too much. Alexander, however, loves his wife and hires Spenser to save her from scandal.