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Why do we love Ann?
She was born Dorothy Ann Willis, the only child of Ona and Cecil Willis and it was clear early on that Ann had a way with words. After attending Baylor Univeristy on a debate scholarship, Ann earned a teaching credential from the University of Texas - "Just in case I couldn't find some man who would marry me and take care of me." It wasn't until she noticed that her daughters had fewer opportunities than her sons that she became active as a political volunteer and got involved in the women's movement. After her children were grown, Ann became more active in politics, first running a successful campiagn and then taking the plunge herself defeating a three-term incumbent for county comissioner. While Treasurer for the state of Texas, she came to national attention when she delivered the keynote address at the 1988 Democratic National Convention where she charmed the delegates and nation with her folksy wit ("Poor George [Bush, Sr.]. He can't help it - he was born with a silver foot in his mouth.") and politcal astuteness. After serving as governor of Texas, Ann continues to be a role model and a force for change.
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