Posted by DEAN SKIP RUTHERFORD – When I became Dean of the Clinton School in 2006, I left partisan politics at the door. In 1991, however, then-Governor Bill Clinton asked me to serve as chairman of the Arkansas Democratic Party. I did so for about nine months. One highlight of my brief tenure was seeing businessman Bill Gwatney of Jacksonville, Ark., enter the political arena as a candidate for the State Senate–a race that he won. It was also the beginning of our 17-year friendship.
Yesterday, in an act that defies reason and logic, Bill was shot and killed in the headquarters of the Arkansas Democatic Party–the same building that I worked years ago when I was recruiting him to run. Bill was a terrific human being. Just recently, we had breakfast with a group of friends and shared political and campaign war stories. Last week we talked about our recent interviews with The New York Times regarding the 2008 presidential election in Arkansas.
Bill was an exemplary public servant. He was a big fan of the Clinton School too and particularly touted our public programs. Why someone would shoot him remains a devastating mystery to me, but on behalf of our school, I extend our deepest sympathy to Bill’s family.
May all those who have been touched by this tragedy find comfort and strength.