Legacy of a Governor

Book excerpt: Legacy of a Governor carries Frank O'Bannon's story from a far corner of Indiana, in tiny Corydon, to the governor's mansion in Indianapolis. Years before securing his own legacy, OBannon was challenged to fulfill his family legacy. O'Bannon's grandfather, Lewis M. O'Bannon, an active Indiana Democrat, ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor in 1924. O'Bannon's father, Robert P. O'Bannon, perpetuated the family legacy, serving in the Indiana State Senate from 1950 to 1970. Growing up in Corydon, O'Bannon developed qualities of the quintessential Hoosier-honest, hardworking, amicable. The skill of listening, of taking everything in, would serve him well in politics. Finally, Legacy provides an inside view of September 8, 2003, the day O'Bannon suffered a massive stroke, as stunned officials in Indianapolis make arrangements to transfer power of Lt. Governor Joe Kernan while mourning a friend.