Political Warrior: The Life And Times of L. Keith Bulen

Political Warrior: The Life And Times of L. Keith Bulen by Huseland, Stanley A.. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780972627382.

From In 1965 Indianapolis was poised for something-and the facts dictated that it had better be growth. All around the country cities were rebuilding their downtowns, attracting commerce and devising new political systems which encompassed bur- geoning suburbs. In the stale old Hoosier capital it was time for new leadership. Out of the Republican Party emerged a charismatic young man with the driving energy of a jack hammer who was determined to be part of the citys coming reformation-L. Keith Bulen. Handsome, driven, often intense to the point of ruthlessness, Bulen began to use the traditional grass-roots political system to produce first-class leaders for the town and party chairmen, representatives, mayors, and governors. With the old system functioning at its best, these men and women could prove themselves with voters at the precinct level, then move on to power and change. By the time all of these excellent leaders were done, and employing many facets of the community, the city had built a new, vital downtown, attracted new industry, and instituted Uni-gov, Bulen was the man on the political charger, leading the troops, and he brought to the struggle strong credentials of conviction, organizational skill, and belief in the two-party system. Beyond Indiana he was eventually honored by two Presidents whom he helped elect with positions representing the U.S. abroad. But his rough, dictatorial ways and direct use of the dying system of political patronage and "bossism" earned him many enemies and stimulated an investigation which cast lingering shadows over his last years. This is the chronicle of this controversial mans life and career in politics. Stan Huseland has explored it with the skill of a long-time journalist, interviewing most of the leading lights of the era who knew Bulen. He lets them speak for themselves. There are many lessons to be learned here, but it is up to the reader to decide...