[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 114 (Thursday, September 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1726]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING GOVERNOR ANN RICHARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 14, 2006

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, it is with a deep sense of loss that I rise 
today in tribute to Governor Ann Richards of Texas whose death leaves a 
void in the national scene and in the lives of all of us who knew and 
admired her.
  Governor Richards was a woman of tremendous achievement and her 
professional accomplishments are well-documented: teacher, state 
treasurer, governor, chair of a national political convention. She was 
also a loving mother, a loyal friend, and a strong woman who bravely 
faced all adversaries, both political and personal. Whether confronting 
the demons of illness or the disappointment of political defeat, she 
emerged from each struggle wiser, wittier, and ever more welcome on the 
public stage.
  For me, and many women in and out of politics, Ann Richards was a 
role model and a mentor. She showed us by example that a woman could 
succeed in what appeared to be a man's world. For those of us who share 
her commitment to education, equal opportunity, social justice and the 
rule of law, she carved a path for us to follow . . . and left big 
shoes (and boots) for us to fill.
  When I was first running for Congress in 1998, and then during my re-
election campaign in 2000, Governor Richards made time in her schedule 
to come to Madison, Wisconsin on my behalf. Her support was invaluable. 
In her inimitable Texas twang, she knew how to rally a crowd, work a 
room, and deliver a message better than any politician, male or female, 
I've ever seen. To a young woman coming into the national political 
arena, her wisdom and warmth were a priceless gift for which I will 
always be grateful.
  I shall miss her incredibly and emphatically. Today, I remember Ann 
Richards in my heart and in these words. But I know she would prefer 
all of us to remember her in future deeds . . . deeds that push and 
prod us to be better people and better citizens.
  I send heartfelt condolences to Governor Richards' family and sincere 
thanks for sharing this remarkable woman with us.

                          ____________________