Ann Richards dead at 73

Ann Richards was genuine, sharp as a tack, honest, fierce, outspoken, a committed Democrat, a very effective governor of Texas, and funny as hell. Her love of people and life was always apparent.

One only can wonder what would have happened if Richards hadn't been the first victim of the Bush/Rove team and had defeated Bush Jr. for Texas Governor. After Bush with the help of Karl Rove managed to unseat her, Richards was asked what she would have done differently if she had known she was going to be a one-term Governor. She grinned and said, "Oh, I would probably have raised more hell."

She made a national name for herself at the 1988 Democratic Convention by bringing down the house saying of Bush Sr., "Poor George. He can't help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth." Little did anyone know that Bush Sr. would seem like a Shakespearean actor compared to his son.

In addressing the capability of women, Richards also famously observed that Ginger Rodgers had to do everything Fred Astaire did, only backwards and in heels. She went on to chair the 1992 convention that nominated Bill Clinton.

When asked her opinion of Bill Clinton a few years ago, Richards shot back, "Let me tell ya somethin'. Bill Clinton's not the first man I've had to forgive, and he probably won't be the last."

Ann Richards was one hell of a remarkable woman, period, and I admired her greatly.