Billy Stair
McWherter, The Life and Career of Ned McWherter, is a biography of Tennessee Governor Ned McWherter (1930-2011) whose rise from sharecropper’s cabin to the Governor’s Residence is one of the most fascinating chapters of Tennessee political history in the late 20th Century. Written by Senior Policy Advisor Billy Stair and accompanied by dozens of historical photos, the book is the first in-depth look at McWherter’s childhood in rural West Tennessee, his historic one-vote election as House Speaker that changed the balance of power of Tennessee politics, his election as Governor in one of Tennessee’s most competitive statewide campaigns, and his two terms as Governor that witnessed one of the most progressive periods in the state’s history. Although much of the book is told by McWherter himself, the author does not avoid discussion of McWherter’s failures, including his unsuccessful effort to reform Tennessee’s tax system. Published after McWherter’s death in April 2011, the book contains a eulogy delivered by President Bill Clinton. In an era of public cynicism toward elected officials, the book is the most complete look yet at one of the most popular governors in Tennessee history.
