What Ann Richards Taught Me About Politics

Richards remained aloof, as if she didn't care that her silence could cost her the election. She felt that confessing the details of one's addiction would convey to young addicts that even if they did reform, they would always be hounded by past misdeeds. To her this seemed a matter of principle that was more important than being elected to high office.

"By continuing to raise these questions," she said when asked about the charges in a debate, "I think we are sending a very sad message to a lot of people who think that if they seek treatment they will forever bear the stigma of their addiction."

But just as importantly, Richards understood that Americans believe in redemption. She shared with most Americans a belief in the possibility for self-transformation. Richards knew that most Americans believe in God, and they believe that He is not only willing, but eager to forgive. Consequently, if God will give us a second chance, we should be willing to grant a second chance to each other.

Ann Richards never publicly answered the questions about drug abuse. She had confidence that it wouldn't be important to most voters. This was a confidence that few in the press or her campaign staff shared, but in the end she was right.

Richards won a runoff primary against Mattox by almost 160,000 votes and won the general election that fall. She was an effective and popular governor who would have won reelection four years later if the Republican tide of 1994 and Texans' resentment over perceived mistreatment of former president George H.W. Bush had not been so strong.

The American ethos of forgiveness helps explain Marion Barry's longevity in D.C. politics and Bill Clinton's ability to rebound from his impeachment. Still, some Americans find it puzzling that the "bad boys" of American politics can sin again and again and seemingly get away with it.

But I don't question it any more. As I get older and look back on my own errors, I'm glad to live in a country that grants second chances. And I'm glad people like Ann Richards, who bring wisdom gleaned from making mistakes and rebounding from them, are willing to risk their reputations to serve the public.

Rest in peace, Gov. Richards.