Giving Back - by Edward F Reilly (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A political memoir of a life lived in service that's a testament to fairness and bipartisanship.

A native of Leavenworth, Kansas, Ed Reilly has always felt the call to serve the people of his state and his country. His life in politics began early: he became a member of the Kansas House of Representatives in 1963 at the age of twenty-six. After less than a year as "Representative Ed," he crossed to the other side of the rotunda and served in the Kansas Senate for the next twenty-nine years.

Reilly played a considerable role in changing Kansas's political and legal landscape, especially in issues involving state corrections and the penal system. As the chairman of the Committee on Federal and State Affairs, Senator Reilly repeatedly championed legislation on capital punishment, as well as pari-mutuel, liquor by the drink, and the Equal Rights Amendment.

In 1992, President George H. W. Bush appointed Reilly chairman of the United States Parole Commission. During his time in Washington, DC, Reilly faced his greatest political and personal challenges, yet remained a steadfast public servant.Ed Reilly's life and career stand as a legacy of leadership and service. The stories and lessons he offers in this memoir showcase admirable spirit of fairness and willingness to compromise, and offer potent lessons for those in the area of public life.

Review Quotes

"Take a walk through the footsteps of Kansas native Ed Reilly as he recounts his experiences with family life, Kansas politics, and officialdom in the nation's capital. Reilly chronicles personal stories lightheartedly and chucked full of personalities who aided in his travels."--H. Edward Flentje, coeditor and coauthor of Reform and Reaction: The Arc of Kansas Politics

"Young Ed Reilly had one birthday request--a tour of the US Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. That tour made a lasting impression on him, so much so that he devoted his life to criminal justice, first as an influential Kansas senator, and later as US parole commissioner and chair. Reilly's autobiography is both entertaining and informative, filled with anecdotes about life in the Kansas capital, and later, in the nation's capital. He knew five governors and five presidents during his lifetime of public service and dealt with challenging issues such as the death penalty (he even witnessed an execution), determinate sentencing and threats from criminals. It's a good read and the issues are pertinent today!"--Joan Wagnon, former legislator and mayor of Topeka

"I salute Edward Reilly, our 'Renaissance Man, ' for his committed, patriotic service to our country, as well as his work extending our values internationally. I have witnessed and always valued his passion for justice, compassion for others, and strength of personal faith. His journey inspires and encourages public service. I hope this book is a motivating best seller!"--Connie Morella, former member of Congress; Ambassador (ret.)

"I saw first-hand how Ed Reilly always put others before self, his memoirs reflect the wisdom and heart behind every decision made in a lifetime of service."--John Ashcroft, Former Attorney General