“Okay, girls, let’s go save the country,” was Gwen Pharo’s rallying call as she and thousands of ordinary women fought to bring two-party politics to Texas. As the 1950s began, an entrenched and complacent Democratic Party ruled the state, as it had since Reconstruction, without a Republican in sight. By 1998, Republicans occupied every statewide office, with a governor poised to be president of the United States.
This remarkable transformation was the result of the hard work and commitment of women from all corners of Texas—women who believed in the necessity of choice and political competition for responsible and responsive government.
Nearly 250 women, speaking for thousands of others who worked by their sides, relive the ups and downs of this historic political movement in Grassroots Women. From the precinct conventions and county organizations to the state committee and up to the national arena—as committeewomen, chairwomen, fundraisers, campaign managers and workers, candidates, staff members, and elected officials—their participation in politics and public service gives us a selfless, uncynical model of the power of grassroots organization, volunteerism, and faith in democracy.
About the Author
After completing her B. A. from Muskingum College and masters degree in public affairs from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., Grier sought the answer to the question, “What really makes things happen in politics?” As a commercial lender and small business owner, she searched the world of business and finance but found the answer in the Republican women of Texas. Grier, a West Virginia native, lives in Boerne, Texas, where she is active in the community, serves as precinct chair, participates in county politics, and belongs to the Kendall County Republican Women.
