dc.description.abstract | On January 6, 1987, Representative Jim Wright was sworn in as the forty-eighth speaker of the House of Representatives, after serving in Congress for thirty-two years, the last decade as Majority Leader. This biography of Jim Wright, which covers his early years (1922-1963), demonstrates that each stage of his life helped him prepare for a life of public service and eventual leadership. The years before Wright entered Congress in 1955 were pivotal to his development. His parents provided an atmosphere that championed a quest after knowledge, a tolerant religious faith, a pride in self and family, and a desire for achievement. Experiences during the Great Depression and his high school years motivated him to seek a seat in Congress, a single-minded ambition that propelled him through his college years and service in World War II. Wright, returning to civilian life still intent on public service, gained a valuable political education during his one term in the Texas House of Representatives in 1947. After his 1948 defeat for reelection to the state legislature Wright briefly considered a business career, but he again chose public service; he became mayor of Weatherford (1950-1954) and further honed his political skills. In 1954 he fulfilled his high school goal with his election to Congress. During his first eight years in Congress (1955-1963) Wright strove to make a difference and, in the process, acquired interests which he carried forward throughout his career. He labored intensively to demonstrate his effectiveness as a legislator both to his colleagues and his constituents. He proved indefatigable as a "team player" for the Democratic Party and continually endeavored to achieve a prominent role in government. His work on the Public Works Committee led Wright to advocate "pay-as-you-go" interstate highways, water pollution controls, and the development of water resources. Latin America became another equally important interest. And he gained a reputation for working diligently on behalf of his district. Eventually, Jim Wright attained recognition and higher office, his early life and first years in Congress serving as a prelude to leadership. | |