Cindy McCain, the wife of Arizona Senator and Republican presidential hopeful John McCain, celebrates a birthday today. She is 54.

The chair of Hensley & Co., a major beverage distributor, Cindy McCain was a background figure in 2000 but has been ever-present - and much more vocal - in John McCain’s second pursuit of the White House here in 2008.

The McCains have three biological children and a fourth adopted from Asia. Cindy has a Master’s in Special Education from USC and opened a special education teaching career working with disabled children in her native Arizona.

In honor of Mrs. McCain’s birthday, here’s a little gallery of Cindy McCain photos. Click to enlarge, and follow the link for many more!