Former Texas Gov. Ann Richards, died Wednesday night after a battle with cancer, she was 73. Richards, a Democrat, was known for her witty and flamboyant style. She went from being a homemaker to national political celebrity — she was a inspiration to women not afraid to speak their minds.

She died at home surrounded by her family, the spokeswoman said. Richards was found to have esophageal cancer in March and underwent chemotherapy treatments.

The silver-haired, silver-tongued Richards said she entered politics to help others — especially women and minorities who were often ignored by Texas’ male-dominated establishment.

“I did not want my tombstone to read, ‘She kept a really clean house.’ I think I’d like them to remember me by saying, ‘She opened government to everyone,’” Richards said shortly before leaving office in January 1995.

Ron has more on Ann Richards at Liberal Values.

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