Standing at the Water's Edge

Standing at the Waters Edge chronicles the life of a unique, and perhaps unlikely, political figure in Oregons history: former Governor Robert W. Straub. A man of intelligence, drive, creativity, and fascinating contradictions, Straub overcame personal challenges and inevitable comparisons to his charismatic predecessor and friendly Republican rival, Tom McCall, to have a lasting impact on Oregon and the nation. Charles Johnson shares insights into Straubs significant legacy, focusing on his leading role in the states financial and environmental issues and his influence on McCall. Johnson also reveals much of Straubs warm personal story, along with his secret struggles, including his battle with depression while Governor. Standing at the Waters Edge offers rich descriptions of other intriguing political figures of the time as well, capturing the flavour of what has been called Oregons political golden age of the sixties and seventiescreated in part by the symbiotic relationship between Straub and McCalland describing how and why it ended. Standing at the Waters Edge is an essential addition to the literature about Oregons political leaders for historians, political scientists, and general readers interested in Oregon history.