Listen to the report
texas.mp3 VOICE ONE:
Ann Richards was a
[?] Democratic party politician from the
[?] state of Texas. She
[?] as the governor of Texas for four years. Richards was known for her big white hair, big smile, and
[?] funny comments. She was also known for
[?] what she called a “New Texas” during her time as governor. She created a government in which women,
[?] , and African-Americans played important roles.
Ann Richards did not always have a
[?] in public service. As a young woman, she worked as a teacher and
[?] four children. She and her husband were very
[?] in local politics. Richards began working
[?] to help Democratic Party
[?] win seats in the Texas legislature.
VOICE TWO:
Then one day, she
[?] to run for office herself -- and she won. She
[?] first as county commissioner, then as Texas state treasurer. In
she was elected governor. She fought for equal rights,
[?] protection and laws to restrict
[?] . After losing a second
[?] as governor to George W. Bush, Richards worked in public relations.
She died in September at the age of
. At her funeral
[?] , leaders from around the country
[?] to celebrate her life. Former President Bill Clinton spoke at the
[?] . He said Ann Richards helped create a world where young girls could be
[?] , engineers and police
[?] . He said she was a great woman with a big heart and big
[?] .