Biography
A Representative from Texas. Born in Dimmitt, Castro County, Tex. , November 14, 1942. Attended the public schools of Dimmitt. B. B. A. , Texas Tech University, 1965. LL. B. , University of Texas School of Law, 1968. Admitted to the Texas bar in 1968. Lawyer, private practice. Professor, Texas Tech University, 1968-1973. Member of the Texas state senate, 1974-1978. Elected as a Democrat to the Ninety-sixth and to the two succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1979-January 3, 1985). Was not a candidate for reelection to the Ninety-ninth Congress in 1984, but was an unsuccessful candidate for nomination to the United States Senate. Changed party affiliation to Republican in 1985. Was an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican nomination for governor of Texas in 1986 and 1990. Railroad commissioner of Texas, 1987-1990. Chancellor of Texas Tech University system, 2006-2014.
