Big Daddy: Jesse Unruh and the Art of Power Politics

Berkeley: University of California Press, 2008. Hardcover. Fine in fine jacket ; as new. xi, 265 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates: illustrations ; 24 cm; bibliographical references (pages 225-247) and index. Signed and inscribed by author. / Contents: The death of a boss -- The road to California -- The GI Bill of Rights -- Hat in the ring -- The education of a rookie -- Segregation and the unruh civil rights act -- Fair housing and white backlash -- Animal house -- Backstabbing democrats -- Dirty dealings and high idealism -- A full-time legislature -- Unruh, Robert Kennedy, and the anti-war movement -- Unruh versus Reagan -- The man with the money. ¶ "Jesse Marvin Unruh (September 30, 1922 - August 4, 1987) was an American Democratic politician and the California State Treasurer from 1975 until his death in 1987. He was known as "Big Daddy Unruh," a nickname he acquired due to his physical stature and political influence.
Before serving as State Treasurer, Unruh had a significant career in the California State Assembly. He was first elected to the Assembly in 1954, and he served as the Speaker of the Assembly from 1961 to 1969. During his tenure as Speaker, Unruh transformed the legislative institution, increasing its professionalism and independence. He was instrumental in creating a system where legislators had professional staff, which allowed them to be less dependent on lobbyists for information.Unruh was also a candidate for Governor of California in 1970 but was defeated by the incumbent, Ronald Reagan. He was known for his advocacy for civil rights, education, and social welfare programs. He was also known for his quote about the influence of money in politics: "Money is the mother's milk of politics." Unruh's influence on California politics was so significant that the California State Assembly building in Sacramento is named the "Jesse M. Unruh State Office Building" in his honor. His political philosophy and style of governance continue to influence California politics to this day."-Bing.¶ 

Legislators -- California -- Biography. Center parties -- United States -- Case studies. Politiciens -- Californie -- Biographies. Centre (Science politique) -- États-Unis -- Études de cas. Center parties. Influence (Literary, artistic, etc.) Legislators. Orators. Politicians. Politics and government. Social conditions. Named Person: Unruh, Jesse, 1922-1987. Unruh, Jesse, 1922-1987 -- Influence. Unruh, Jesse, 1922-1987. Named Corp: California. Legislature. Assembly -- Speakers -- Biography. California. Legislature. Assembly. Biographies. Case studies. Biographies. Case studies. Biographies. Études de cas. Time: Since 1900 Geographic: California -- Politics and government -- 1951- California -- Social conditions -- 20th century. United States -- Politics and government -- 1945-1989. United States -- Social conditions -- 1945- Californie -- Politique et gouvernement -- 1951- Californie -- Conditions sociales -- 20e siècle. États-Unis -- Politique et gouvernement -- 1945-1989. États-Unis -- Conditions sociales -- 1945- California. United States.