Political Warrior: The Life And Times of L. Keith Bulen - Hardcover

Huseland, Stanley A.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0972627383 ISBN 13: 9780972627382

Publisher: Hawthorne Pub, 2006

Synopsis

From dj: In 1965 Indianapolis was poised for something-and the facts dictated that it had better be growth. All around the country cities were rebuilding their downtowns, attracting commerce and devising new political systems which encompassed bur- geoning suburbs. In the stale old Hoosier capital it was time for new leadership. Out of the Republican Party emerged a charismatic young man with the driving energy of a jack hammer who was determined to be part of the city's coming reformation-L. Keith Bulen. Handsome, driven, often intense to the point of ruthlessness, Bulen began to use the traditional grass-roots political system to produce first-class leaders for the town and state: party chairmen, representatives, mayors, and governors. With the old system functioning at its best, these men and women could prove themselves with voters at the precinct level, then move on to power and change. By the time all of these excellent leaders were done, and employing many facets of the community, the city had built a new, vital downtown, attracted new industry, and instituted Uni-gov, Bulen was the man on the political charger, leading the troops, and he brought to the struggle strong credentials of conviction, organizational skill, and belief in the two-party system. Beyond Indiana he was eventually honored by two Presidents whom he helped elect with positions representing the U.S. abroad. But his rough, dictatorial ways and direct use of the dying system of political patronage and "bossism" earned him many enemies and stimulated an investigation which cast lingering shadows over his last years. This is the chronicle of this controversial man's life and career in politics. Stan Huseland has explored it with the skill of a long-time journalist, interviewing most of the leading lights of the era who knew Bulen. He lets them speak for themselves. There are many lessons to be learned here, but it is up to the reader to decide...

About this title

From the Inside Flap

Using his reportorial background, Huseland has sought out and interviewed over fifty major participants and observers of Bulen’s career ranging from former governors to senators and Presidential advisors (Bulen was a national figure too, serving Presidents Nixon and Reagan). The author has created a wide-ranging chronicle of politics in a time of change and the impact obsessive immersion in public life can have on personal life.Indianapolis was revitalizing itself and Bulen was an active participant, grooming leaders for the needs and using politics to influence change. He paid a price, clearly.The deposing of stale old leaders, the coming of Uni-gov to Indianapolis, the campaigns to bring new ideas and leadership to the city, along with some dismal failures as the old patronage system died and with it Bulen’s power—all are told in this interesting and provocative book.

About the Author

Stan Huseland was a newspaper reporter and then held management positions in governmental affairs, public relations, and advertising at Anthem Insurance. He served as a long-time member and officer of the Indianapolis Press Club. Stan has led an active life and has run a Marathon and hiked into the Grand Canyon. He retired as a colonel in the Army Reserve.

Edition details

• Publisher: Hawthorne Pub
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0972627383
• ISBN 13: 9780972627382
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 388