This show has frequently made references to real previous presidential administrations, including the Clinton administration. During the Clinton administration, the first lady, Hillary Clinton, ran for senator of New York State while Bill Clinton was still in office and won. This happened about 20 years prior to the airing of this episode. For some reason, show did not seem to want to reference this event. They made a big deal out of whether or not it was legal or appropriate for a first lady to run for senator while her husband was still in office. Even though this show takes place in a fictional universe, it seems strange that they are dealing with an issue that has already transpired in the real world.