Coup: The Day the Democrats Ousted Their Governor, Put Republican Lamar Alexander in Office Early, and Stopped a Pardon Scandal
The story of Alexander's early inauguration--the only one of its kind in American history--is told with page-turning intensity"--The Claremont Institute"There is so much to enjoy about this book whose title ofCoup, connoting anarchy, violence and warring factions, ironically relates a success story of political rivals in transitioning power. It is a testament to the character of the people involved and also a testament to the cando state of Tennessee."--Tennessee Bar Journal"A recommended read for anyone interested in Tennessee history or politics."--Tom Humphrey,Knoxville News Sentinel"...a deeply-researched, highly engrossing, minute-by-minute account of the day a bunch of Democrats ousted their crooked governor and installed a Republican before his scheduled inauguration"--Betty Bean,Shopper News"There was a time when government was willing to act.  Keel Hunt was a key player on one such occasion in Tennessee and tells the story with elegance and precision.  This book tells about government doing what's needed--quickly, without hand-wringing and without seeking partisan advantage.  Every elected official in America should read it."--Philip Bredesen, former Governor of Tennessee"This is a story about men of different political parties who found ourselves in a place none of us wanted to be and how we worked together over a few hours to do something unprecedented but necessary that none of us wanted to do.  What fascinates me 34 years later is how much I did not know about what had happened until I read Keel Hunt's book."--Lamar Alexander, U.S. Senator"Keel Hunt gives us a fascinating account of an important moment in Tennessee history. It's a story of a time when Tennesseans of both parties came together to resolve a crisis that had rocked the state."--Fred Thompson, former U.S. Senator