ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, March 25, 1997 TAG: 9703250106
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: S.D. HARRINGTON THE ROANOKE TIMES
Former Texas Gov. Ann Richards says she has no desire to re-enter politics. But she is working to keep the momentum going for women who want to follow her.
Richards spoke at Roanoke College's Bast Center Tuesday night on "The Path Ahead for Women in Public Service." The speech was part of the college's Henry H. Fowler Public Lecture Program.
A former teacher and civil rights activist who entered politics as county commissioner, then became state treasurer, Richards won a vicious campaign in 1990 to become the 45th governor of Texas and one of three women elected governor nationwide in what political analysts labeled "The Year of the Woman."
But Richards' message Monday night was not a overwhelming victory for women in politics.
With her big Texas accent and bold humor, Richards told of the importance of women's presence in government.
"Before we get too far down the pike, I want to tell you men: I will be as gentle as I can," she jested to the crowded gymnasium.
Richards said men - who cannot experience giving birth to children - should not be calling all the shots on abortion issues. And gender-based discrimination would change when a woman participates in decision-making, she said.
"Men cannot hear with a woman's ear or process through a woman's experience," she said. "We bring a different perspective and, without us, legislative bodies and every other institution in this nation are incomplete."
Richards said the single greatest obstacle for women entering politics is money. And she stressed the importance of women becoming financially independent.
During a news conference earlier Monday, Richards praised the political fund-raising outfit Emily's List, which helps women finance the early stages of a campaign.
"Early money is the hardest thing for a woman to get," she said.
Richards also cautioned against the stereotypical "woman's issues."
"Our issues are not only those that are unique to us because we reproduce
At the end of her speech, Richards shared with the audience a list of priorities she made after being defeated as governor by George W. Bush in 1994.
The list included travel, learning new things and working with people she liked.
But, as Roanoke College President David Gring pointed out later, the list didn't include politics.
At 63, Richards said she had no desire to run for public office again.
She is working 10 days a month in the Austin, Texas, branch of a Washington law firm. She also continues to lobby for issues like women's and abortion rights.
She makes the occasional speech like the one Monday night. And she will take up an occasional project.
Recently, she helped promote a charity cycling race with Austin cyclist Lance Armstrong after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
"I got a lot accomplished," she said of her political career. "But once I got beat I was ready to move on to other things."
LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: STEPHANIE KLEIN-DAVIS. THE ROANOKE TIMES Ann Richards,by CNBshown Monday afternoon before her speech, stressed the importance of
women's presence and perspective in government. color.