The Life and Times of Morris Udall: A Politician with a Conscience

Early Life and Career

Morris Kent Udall was born on June 15, 1922, in St. Johns, Arizona. His father, Levi Stuart Udall, served as a Democratic congressman and U.S. Secretary of the Interior, instilling in Morris a deep passion for public service.

Mo: The Life and Times of Morris K. Udall

by Donald W. Carson

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3113 KB
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After graduating from the University of Arizona, Udall served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Upon his return, he earned a law degree from the University of Arizona and practiced law in Tucson.

Political Rise

Udall entered politics in 1954 when he was elected to the Arizona State Senate. He served two terms before winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1961. As a congressman, Udall became known for his sharp wit and strong environmental advocacy.

Environmental Activism

Udall was a staunch defender of the environment. He played a key role in establishing the Grand Canyon National Park and the Wilderness Act of 1964, which protected millions of acres of public land. He also co-founded the League of Conservation Voters and the Environmental Defense Fund.

Presidential Ambitions

Udall ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1976. Although he failed to secure the nomination, his campaign earned him national recognition for his progressive views on environmental issues, healthcare, and nuclear disarmament.

Legacy of Advocacy

Udall continued to serve in Congress until his retirement in 1991. He remained an influential environmental advocate throughout his life, working to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and promoting renewable energy sources.

In 2009, the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Foundation was established to honor his legacy. The foundation continues to recognize and support future environmental leaders.

Personal Life and Character

Morris Udall was known for his wry wit and self-deprecating humor. He was also a dedicated family man, married to Ella Royston for 65 years. Udall passed away on December 12, 1998, at the age of 76.

Morris Udall was a man of principle and conviction. His unwavering commitment to environmental protection, social justice, and ethical governance left an enduring mark on American politics. He was a passionate advocate for the causes he believed in, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of leaders.

Additional Resources

* Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy: https://udallcenter.arizona.edu/ * Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Foundation: https://www.udall.gov/ * "Morris K. Udall and the American Environmental Tradition" by Robert H. Nelson: https://books.google.com/books?id=w38BAAAAYAAJ&q=morris+udall+environmentalism

Mo: The Life and Times of Morris K. Udall

by Donald W. Carson

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3113 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	360 pages

FREE