Bill Ratliff: A Profile of Courage and Leadership in American Politics

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Lt. Governor Bill Ratliff is an engineer, a widely respected senator, and according to Caroline Kennedy he is an inspiration to all who serve in government, and to all Americans. Senator Ratliff, nicknamed Obi Wan Kenobi by his colleagues, was a revered and much loved leader in Texas for more than a decade. He singularly wrote the Texas Robin-Hood school finance law, a major Ethics reform law, a Texas tort reform law, and held a great disdain for narrow partisanship and politics. This is the inspirational story of a great man doing good work in a time when many are cynical about political leadership and government. His courageous stand on principle brought him to a showdown with powerful forces in the Bush White House and earned him the public vitriol of right-wing billionaires.

Reviews

Bill Ratliff is an inspiration to all who serve in government, and to all Americans, for his principled and bipartisan leadership, and his willingness to make the difficult and unpopular decisions necessary for good governance. Bill Ratliff showed great courage when he put his long and distinguished career of service at risk for the principle of fair and democratic elections which are the heart and soul of a successful democracy. [He] has demonstrated political courage worthy of our gratitude. -- Caroline Kennedy, announcing Gov. Ratliff as winner of the 2005 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award
Bob Sterkens political biography of Texas State Senator and Lieutenant Governor Bill Ratliff is a great read. Those who watch Texas politics closely always liked and respected Senator Ratliff even though most saw only his public profile. Sterkens fine book explores the personal and social bases of the character that made Bill Ratliff such a force for common sense and decency in an often tumultuous Texas politics. This book helps us all understand Bill Ratliff and his state better. -- Cal Jillson, Southern Methodist University
When Governor Bill Ratliff began his illustrious political career in 1988, Texas was dominated by the Democratic Party. When he left public office in 2004, Texas was dominated by the Republican Party. Robert Sterkens excellent book provides a fascinating review of Governor Ratliffs illustrious career, and, in doing so, allows the reader to witness the transformation and evolution of partisan politics and public policy in the Lone Star State over the past thirty years from the perspective of one of the Texas GOPs preeminent unabashed centrist conservatives. -- Mark P. Jones, Rice University
Bill Ratliffs life and career are fantastic demonstrations of the value of integrity and courage. Sterken has gifted us all an inspiring read filled with valuable lessons. -- Robert Duncan, Texas Tech University
This book is an excellent portrait of my good friend and mentor, Bill Ratliff. Bill is a true statesman who has always recognized the importance of governing for the greater good of all Texans. He has brought people together to solve complex issues facing our state government and worked with members based on their ability, rather than whether they had an "R" or a "D" behind their name. The humility and type of leadership he demonstrated during his years as a senator and Lt. Governor are sorely needed across our nation today. He is, without a doubt, one of the greatest public servants in Texas' history. -- Rodney Ellis, Texas State Senator

Author Bio

Robert Sterken is associate professor of political science at the University of Texas at Tyler.