Former Governor Ann Richards Passes Away

Dorothy Ann Richards, the 45th Governor of Texas, passed away tonight.

From humble beginnings in Waco, Texas, Richards went on to attend Baylor University on a debate scholarship, later marrying high school sweetheart David Richards and settling in Austin. Her political career began by campaigning for such respected Texas Democrats as former Congressman Henry Gonzalez, famous for demanding Reagan's impeachment, and former Senator Ralph Yarborough, co-writer of the Endangered Species Act and vaunted civil rights advocate. It was in 1988, though, that Richards attained national fame with her quip against then-Presidential candidate George H.W. Bush, "Poor George, he can't help it...He was born with a silver foot in his mouth."

In 1990, Richards campaigned for the governorship saying, "We can do better for ourselves and our children." She bested wealthy Republican candidate Clayton Williams by the narrowest of margins -- 49% to 47%. During her four-year tenure, Richards was credited for revitalizing Texas' economy (despite a national recession), opening state government to women and minorities, instituting serious reforms in the state prison system, promoting Texas as a tourism destination, and boosting public school funding -- achieved by concurrently implementing the Texas Lottery while launching the so-called "Robin Hood" budgeting scheme. The accomplishments she was most proud of, however, were vetoing two bills that also likely contributed to her unsuccessful re-election attempt in 1994: one would've made it legal for people carry concealed handguns, automatic weapons, and "cop-killer bullets," while the other blatantly allowed for the destruction of the Edwards Aquifer.

In her later years, Richards became an advocate for various causes, among them gay rights, women's rights, and public education reform. She was also rather fond of the University of Texas Lady Longhorns Basketball team. Next fall, AISD is set to open the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, a college prep school for girls.

"Ann Richards was my friend, an advisor and an inspiration," said Mayor Will Wynn of the woman whom he hailed as a "Texas legend." "Her passing is devastating for so many of us and serves as a reminder to cherish the people we love. I will think of what she unknowingly did for me by setting a very high bar of public service to the community... We will keep her family in our thoughts and prayers."

Earlier this year, Richards was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Late Wednesday evening, surrounded by family members, she passed away at the age of 73.

Former Governor Ann Richards is survived by her four children, Cecile, Daniel, Clark and Ellen, their spouses, and eight "nearly perfect" grandchildren. All memorial gifts can be made to the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders through the following:

Austin Community Foundation
P.O. Box 5159
Austin, Texas 78763
Contact: 512-472-4483, or www.austincommunityfoundation.org

[mp3 of Ann Richards' Keynote Address at the 1988 Democratic National Convention]

Photo and reference from wikipedia and official press release