[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 16] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 21747] [From the U.S. 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. ____________________