Ann Richards (1933-2006)

Former Texas Governor Ann Richards died yesterday of esophageal cancer at the age of 73. She was a single-term governor who lost her bid for reelection to George W. Bush in 1994. Richards was probably most recognized for her white beehive "big hair," her weathered visage and her witty oratory.

Before she was governor, Richards addressed the national convention of the Democratic Party in 1988, saying famously of George H.W. Bush, "Poor George, he can't help it; he was born with a silver foot in his mouth."

Ann Richards started her Texas political career in 1976 as a county commissioner in Travis County, a position she held until 1982, when she ran successfully for state treasurer. In 1992, as Governor, she had a chance to revisit a Travis County issue when Houston anti-pornography queen Geneva Kirk Brooks came to Austin for the purpose of being offended by Hippie Hollow, a county operated public park that's officially clothing-optional.

Brooks thought she might have glimpsed a swatch of bare skin while she was scanning the park, but she didn't look with her (pardon the expression) naked eye. She was squinting through binoculars as she attempted to be outraged.

Nevertheless, Brooks demanded that Governor Richards shut the place down. Ann Richards pointedly declined to take such action, sending Brooks back to Houston with nothing to show for her trip to Austin but a very fine pair of binoculars.

Thanks, Governor.