John J. Rhodes

This biography is about a man who continues to be cited by congressional scholars as a quintessential role model for legislative effectiveness and statesmanlike demeanor in the U.S. House of Representatives, an institution in which he served for thirty years (1953-1983). . John Rhodes] represented the best of American politics. Anyone who cares for Congress should read this book. - Dr. Norman Ornstein, The American Enterprise Institute The book: 7 Traces the early years of his life, beginning in Kansas and bringing him to Arizona; it also shows how Rhodes successfully became the first Republican to represent Arizona in the U.S. House of Representatives. 7 Follows his path in Congress, and how he climbed up the leadership ladder to the post of Minority Leader, following Gerald R. Ford in 1974. 7 Details the investigation into Watergate and how, as leader of the Republicans in the House, he pursued the truth about Richard Nixon's involvement, guided his fellow party members during the tumultuous time, and ultimately convinced the president that resignation was more palatable than the certain conviction of misdeeds by Congress. 7 Continues to demonstrate Rhodes legislative, representative, and leadership abilities with chapters explaining how he succeeded in obtaining the Central Arizona Project for his home state, a trip to China with Speaker of the House Carl Albert that helped open the barriers to their economy, and how (after the debacle that was Even Mecham) he almost became governor of Arizona .This is the story of one of the Republican Party's true heroes. - Bob Woodward, The Washington Post .Frankly, I hope every member of Congress will read it. - J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker, U.S.House of Representatives