Eleanor Richardson oral history interview, June 29, 1987

Interviewed by Diane Fowlkes. Among topics discussed: Family background; early career; marriage; first interest in politics; League of Women Voters; death of Martin Luther King, Jr.; Richardson's first campaign; campaign finances and petition drive; campaign opposition; neo‑natal health care issue; Dr. Mickey Freeman; differences with Moral Majority; staff and interns; legislative technique; changes in campaigning; committees on which served; legislative appointments; relationship with constituents; press relations; relationship with governors Busbee and Harris; relationship with legislators; taking a stand in the legislature; the "no‑smoking" issue; reason for hopeful appointment to the Appropriations Committee; women's issues; inheritance laws; retirement; the Legislative Counsel; accomplishments and disappointments; plans for the future; AIDs bill; impact as a legislator; changes for women in the legislature; present interests; the elderly.