I recently completed a documentary on Richard Richards. Richards was Utah political organizer who became a major player in the Nixon and Reagan presidential campaigns and later went on to become the Chairman of the Republican National Committee during the Reagan years. The film was a collaborative effort with the Richard Richards Institute at Weber State University to showcase stories of good ethics in politics.

Producing the film provided an experience to learn about the behind scenes engine that drives state and national elections. Richards was involved with this effort at the grass roots level and his impact on both state and national elections is remarkable.

Throughout his political years Richard's honesty and integrity was also just as impressive. One moment in his interview that I remember most came when he said:

“Look. When I’m here, I don’t care whether you like me or not. When I leave, I don’t care if you like me. All I care is when I leave, you say, ‘He was honest with me.’ I’m going to give you honest answers, tell you the best I can, and that’s the way it is. I’m not trying to win you over.”

— Richard Richards

That statement described Richards perfectly. You never had to second guess Richards. You always knew where he stood. Richard Richards passed away about a year ago, but I hope this film can be a lasting tribute to his example.