Bill Clements, American soldier, engineer, and politician, 15th United States Deputy Secretary of Defense (d. 2011)

William Perry Clements Jr., born on April 13, 1917, and passing away on May 29, 2011, was a towering figure in Texas politics and business, often credited with spearheading the modern Republican resurgence in a state long dominated by the Democratic Party. An accomplished American businessman who amassed a significant fortune in the crude oil industry, Clements leveraged his entrepreneurial spirit and conservative principles to carve out a distinctive political career. His journey saw him serve two non-consecutive terms as the Governor of Texas, a period stretching from 1979 to 1991, which dramatically reshaped the state's political landscape.

His political tenure was notable not only for its groundbreaking nature but also for its fascinating dynamic with his Democratic counterpart, Mark Wells White. Clements's two terms effectively bookended White's sole term in office; White famously defeated Clements in the 1982 gubernatorial election, only to succumb to Clements in his own bid for re-election in 1986. This back-and-forth rivalry underscored the shifting tides in Texas politics during the late 20th century.

The Pioneer Governor: A Republican Returns to Austin

When William P. Clements Jr. first took the oath of office in January 1979, he achieved a historic milestone for the Lone Star State. His inauguration marked the first time a Republican had served as governor of Texas since the post-Civil War Reconstruction era. This achievement was particularly significant given that Texas had been a deeply entrenched Democratic stronghold for over a century, often adhering to the "Yellow Dog Democrat" tradition where voters would "vote for a yellow dog if it were a Democrat." Clements's victory signaled a fundamental transformation in the state's political alignment, laying the groundwork for future Republican dominance.

His enduring impact was also evident in the longevity of his service. Upon leaving office for good at the end of his second term in 1991, Clements had accumulated eight years as governor. This made him the longest-serving Texas governor at that time, a record that stood for nearly two decades until Rick Perry surpassed his total years in office in 2009. Furthermore, Clements holds the distinction of being the first governor to be elected to multiple terms since Texas amended its constitution in 1972 to extend the gubernatorial term of office from two to four years. This constitutional change allowed for greater stability and longer-term planning in the state's executive branch. Following in his footsteps, and continuing the trend of Republican leadership, George W. Bush, Rick Perry, and Greg Abbott have also successfully won multiple terms as governor of Texas.

From Oil Fields to the Pentagon and Beyond

Before his historic ascent to the governor's mansion, Clements forged a formidable career in the private sector. He built a substantial fortune in the booming crude oil industry, a pivotal sector in the Texas economy. His success in business eventually propelled him onto the national political stage when President Richard Nixon appointed him as the United States Deputy Secretary of Defense. In this significant federal role, Clements played a crucial part in the nation's defense apparatus, gaining valuable experience in high-level administration and policy-making that would later inform his approach to governing Texas.

A Controversial Chapter: The SMU Football Scandal

Following the conclusion of his first gubernatorial term in 1983, after his defeat by Mark White, Clements did not immediately step away from public life. Instead, he joined the administrative staff at Southern Methodist University (SMU), a prominent institution in Dallas, where he served as Chairman of the Board of Governors. However, this period of his career became entangled in a major controversy that cast a shadow over his legacy.

During his leadership at SMU, Clements presided over a massive "pay-to-play" system within the university's highly competitive football program. This illicit scheme involved secretly paying players and recruits, a clear violation of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules. The discovery of these widespread infractions led to catastrophic consequences for the university's football team, culminating in the infamous "death penalty" sanction from the NCAA in 1987. This unprecedented punishment effectively shut down the program for a year and severely restricted it for several more, damaging SMU's reputation and athletic standing for years to come. The fallout from the scandal, which occurred under Clements's ultimate oversight as chairman, significantly impacted his public image and is widely considered to have contributed to the effective end of his political career, despite his later successful bid for a second term as governor. The scandal served as a stark reminder of the ethical challenges that can arise at the intersection of collegiate athletics and high-stakes financial interests.

FAQs About William P. Clements Jr.

When was William P. Clements Jr. Governor of Texas?

He served two non-consecutive terms: his first from 1979 to 1983, and his second from 1987 to 1991.

Why was William P. Clements Jr.'s first election significant?

His inauguration in 1979 marked him as the first Republican to serve as Governor of Texas since the Reconstruction era, signifying a major shift in the state's political landscape which had been dominated by Democrats for over a century.

How long was Clements the longest-serving Texas Governor?

Clements served eight years as governor, holding the record for the longest-serving Texas governor until Rick Perry surpassed his total in 2009.

What was Clements's role before becoming governor?

Prior to his governorship, he was a successful businessman who made his fortune in crude oil and served as the United States Deputy Secretary of Defense under President Richard Nixon.

What was the SMU football scandal, and how was Clements involved?

The SMU football scandal involved a "pay-to-play" system where players and recruits were illegally paid. As Chairman of SMU's Board of Governors during that period, Clements held ultimate administrative responsibility, and the scandal led to severe NCAA sanctions, including the "death penalty" for the football program, which negatively impacted his public perception.