Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine
I woke this morning to the sad news that Texas Governor Ann Richards has died.
As a native of Texas and a resident of the capital city through the mid-nineties, I have a particular affection for her. As many of you know, Partner worked for Ann for 10 years, six years in the State Treasurer's Office, and four years in the Governor's office. In fact, our courtship coincided with that 1990 race for the Governor's Office. For many, many reasons, it was a magical time.
Like many successful politicians I have had the opportunity to meet, Ann had a larger-than-life aura. Her bright eyes, brilliant white hair, and (most of all) her sharp wit were all used to great effect. She did many great things for the people of Texas, but I will agree with something she said in her last days in office. "One of the greatest things I have ever done," she is reported to have said, "was to get [Partner] out of Waco." I couldn't agree more.
Another outstanding memory for me was election night 1990. Partner suggested we go by the campaign office before going to the election party at a local hotel. As we arrived, campaign wonks were at desks throughout the offices crunching numbers on the latest returns with expressions of glee. Then, to everyone's surprise, Ann arrived. She joked with these insiders, everyone scarcely believing this moment was happening. Then we turned to the TVs littered throughout the offices to hear reporters predict her victory. (There is a photo commemorating that moment, in a book by photographer Ave Bonar about the campaign. Partner stands next to Ann at that moment of watching the TV reporters announce her election. I am cut out of the picture, but I know I was there!)
Many times during that political season Partner said to me, "Don't get used to this -- it doesn't usually happen this way!" Of course, he was right. Rarely do we have elected leaders of her quality. In her wit, her drive, and most of all her ideals, she was unique.
Rest in peace, Ms. Ann. Rest in peace.
As a native of Texas and a resident of the capital city through the mid-nineties, I have a particular affection for her. As many of you know, Partner worked for Ann for 10 years, six years in the State Treasurer's Office, and four years in the Governor's office. In fact, our courtship coincided with that 1990 race for the Governor's Office. For many, many reasons, it was a magical time.
Like many successful politicians I have had the opportunity to meet, Ann had a larger-than-life aura. Her bright eyes, brilliant white hair, and (most of all) her sharp wit were all used to great effect. She did many great things for the people of Texas, but I will agree with something she said in her last days in office. "One of the greatest things I have ever done," she is reported to have said, "was to get [Partner] out of Waco." I couldn't agree more.
Another outstanding memory for me was election night 1990. Partner suggested we go by the campaign office before going to the election party at a local hotel. As we arrived, campaign wonks were at desks throughout the offices crunching numbers on the latest returns with expressions of glee. Then, to everyone's surprise, Ann arrived. She joked with these insiders, everyone scarcely believing this moment was happening. Then we turned to the TVs littered throughout the offices to hear reporters predict her victory. (There is a photo commemorating that moment, in a book by photographer Ave Bonar about the campaign. Partner stands next to Ann at that moment of watching the TV reporters announce her election. I am cut out of the picture, but I know I was there!)
Many times during that political season Partner said to me, "Don't get used to this -- it doesn't usually happen this way!" Of course, he was right. Rarely do we have elected leaders of her quality. In her wit, her drive, and most of all her ideals, she was unique.
Rest in peace, Ms. Ann. Rest in peace.
posted by Sam | 6:49 AM
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