Ralph W. Yarborough, the people's senator

the long version

"Revered by many Texans and other Americans as "the People's Senator," Ralph Webster Yarborough (1903-1996) fought for "the little people" in a political career that places him in the ranks of the most influential leaders in Texas history. The only U.S. Senator representing a former Confederate state to vote for every significant piece of modern civil rights legislation, Yarborough became a cornerstone of Lyndon Johnson's Great Society programs in the areas of education, environmental preservation, and health care. In doing so, he played a major role in the social and economic modernization of Texas and the American South. He often defied conventional political wisdom with his stands against powerful political interests and with his vocal opposition to the Vietnam War. Yet to this day, his admirers speak of Yarborough as an inspiration for public service and a model of political independence and integrity.". "This biography offers the first in-depth look at the life and career of Ralph Yarborough. Patrick Cox was granted full access to Yarborough's personal and professional papers, including those still in his family's possession, and conducted extensive interviews with the Senator and his wife Opal, relatives and friends, supporters, staff members, and other associates. From this wealth of first-hand material, Cox follows Yarborough from his formative years in East Texas through his legal and judicial career in the 1930s, decorated military service in World War II, unsuccessful campaigns for Texas governor in the 1950s, distinguished tenure in the United States Senate from 1957 to 1970, and return to legal practice through the 1980s."--BOOK JACKET.