TX GOP Pays Tribute to Former Governor Bill Clements, 86

Laredo, TX, Morning Times ^ | 11-08-03 | AP

[Theodore R.]

State GOP pays tribute to former Gov. Clements

Associated Press

AUSTIN (AP) - Texas Republicans on Friday paid tribute to Bill Clements on the 25th anniversary of his first election to the governor's office, crediting him with being the catalyst for the party's rise to statewide dominance.

Clements, 86, broke a centurylong Democratic hold on the Governor's Mansion when he was elected in 1978. He lost a re-election bid to Democrat Mark White in 1982 but came back to win the office again in 1986. His two full four-year terms make him the longest-serving governor in Texas history.

"Governor Clements was a fiercely independent and visionary trailblazer," said Republican Gov. Rick Perry, who hosted Clements and his wife Rita Clements for lunch at the Governor's Mansion. "Governor Clements ushered in the two-party era in our state."

Democrats once ruled the state politically. Republicans are now in control, holding every statewide elected office.

"I'm proud of what the Republican Party has done," Clements said. "I hope they continue."

Clements said he stays involved in his ranching business, monitoring financial investments, playing golf and hunting.

"I like to shoot some birds occasionally," he said.

Standing before a group of reporters and television cameras, Clements joked about making a comeback.

"Seeing all you people in the Governor's Mansion, I may want to run again."

11/08/03

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