Former Texas Governor Ann Richards died Wednesday night at the age of 73, after a six-month battle with cancer.

Ann Richards was an icon, a giant, a defining part of Texas.  Her clever wit and candor won the hearts of Texans and Americans well before she became Governor in 1990; her characterization of then-Presidential candidate George H. W. Bush as being "born with a silver foot in his mouth" at the 1988 Democratic National Convention both solidified her image as a strong, sharp woman and touched disaffected Americans that felt as if government was out of touch with their needs.  Her governorship opened avenues for minorities and women, polished Texas' national image, and laid the groundwork for Texas' economic upturn in the 90's. 

Ann Richards was a witty and warm-hearted progressive who won friends in every political camp.  US Representative Charlie Gonzales (D-San Antonio) recalls, "She was just such a breath of fresh air to Texas politics and made such a difference for so many people. She was blunt, outspoken, incredibly smart and had a huge heart. They don't make them like that anymore."  Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) remembers her as "a one-of-a-kind person. She was funny and fun and I was always impressed that she loved life." 

Longtime Denton resident Karen Warwick, a volunteer for Ann Richards' 1990 campaign and then Governor Richards' Director of the Citizens' Assistance Program and Director of Scheduling says, "She was probably the hardest-working governor the state of Texas has ever seen... She had an uncanny ability to sift through the details of a problem, no matter how complex, and draw out the points necessary to solve that problem, and that was amazing to watch. Working for Governor Richards was the high point of my political career."

The Denton County Young Democrats wish to express their regrets for Governor Ann Richard’s passing and voice their condolences to her friends and family. Thank you, Ann, for your warm heart and your indomitable personality.  You will be sorely missed.