[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 125 (Friday, September 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1942]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF ANN RICHARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 29, 2006

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 
late Ann Richards who passed away on September 14th. I had the pleasure 
to meet Ms. Richards on one of her visits to Minnesota. A true 
inspiration to others, she will be remembered for her leadership, 
strength, charisma and humor as well as her lifelong commitment to 
public service.
  As a member of the Democratic Party, Ms. Richards began her political 
career as Travis County Commissioner from 1977 until 1981. In 1982, she 
successfully ran a statewide campaign for Texas State Treasurer and 
became the first woman elected to statewide office in 50 years. In 
1988, Ms. Richards gained national attention when she delivered the 
keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta, 
Georgia.
  After two terms as State Treasurer, in 1990, Ms. Richards ran a 
successful campaign for Governor of Texas, and served as Chief Officer 
of the Lone Star State from 1991-1995. During her tenure as Governor, 
she worked tirelessly to eliminate gender barriers, revitalize the 
Texas economy, and decentralize control over education policy. She 
valued diversity, appointing the largest number of women and minorities 
to state boards and commissioners of any Texas governor up until that 
time. An idealistic, strong woman with a witty personality, Governor 
Richards connected with Texans and people across the United States.
  Unfortunately, in 1994, she lost a close re-election for Governor 
against Texas baseball owner, George W. Bush. Following her term as 
Governor, Ms. Richards continued her dedication to public service. She 
was a senior advisor to the communications firm Public Strategies, Inc. 
in Austin and New York, as well as a senior advisor with a Washington, 
DC-based, international law firm. Ms. Richards also served on several 
corporate boards and taught classes at Brandeis University and the 
University of Texas-Austin.
  I extend my thoughts and prayers to her four children, and eight 
grandchildren. Governor Ann Richards was a loving mother and devoted 
public servant. She will be remembered and honored in the highest 
regard.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to the life of Governor 
Ann Richards.

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