ADVANCE PRAISE FOR “THE PRINCIPLED POLITICIAN”

“This story that Adam Schrager has unearthed touches on one of the periods in my life that defined me. I was one of those children in the Colorado internment camps caught between the War’s hysteria of some and the racism of others. Despite the political jeopardy it brought him, Ralph Carr chose to essentially defend me and my family. This is a story that needed to be told; one that proves that principle and leadership go together.”  --Michael Honda, U.S. Congressman (California)

“Colorado Governor Ralph Carr was a unique individual of conviction; a politician willing to stand by his beliefs and take an unpopular stance during World War II.  His story is truly an inspiration in the challenging times of today.  For Japanese Americans Governor Carr has always been an important figure, a quite hero, a shining light, in American history.   Now through Adam Schrager’s book, the significance of Governor Carr’s legacy can be shared with all Americans.  This book is a must-read for all seeking to understand the importance of democracy, civil liberties and diversity, and how the lessons of the past continue to have relevance to our country’s future.” –Irene Hirano, Director, Japanese American National Museum (Los Angeles)

“My colleague, Adam Schrager, has successfully captured the essence of a man who history will remember as sacrificing a bright political future in order to ‘do the right thing.’ As a third-generation Japanese American, “The Principled Politician: The Ralph Carr Story” also gives insight into the wartime hysteria that my grandparents and mother lived through, but never talked about. Would that all of us should establish and adhere to our principles as Ralph Carr did. Honor and integrity would become the norm instead of the exception. The lessons taught then are as valuable today—and would require the same degree of courage to teach.” –Adele Arakawa, KUSA-TV Anchor (Denver, CO)

“Adam Schrager is a young guy who in the best sense has old school values rejecting his industry’s growing fixation with mindless celebrity and hot button ‘issues.’ He focuses instead on people and stories of genuine value, and does so with humanity and a touch of humor.  He brings that refreshing sensibility as well as a reporter’s professionalism to Ralph Carr’s story.”  --Bob Costas, NBC Sports

“Brilliant! Ralph Carr was a giant. He has been a personal inspiration to me for more than twenty years... Adam Schrager paints a vivid picture of a Colorado governor who sacrificed his career before he would compromise his principles. He brings to life not just the man, but also the turbulence of WW II Colorado. A must-read book."   --John Hickenlooper, Denver Mayor

“As one of Colorado’s preeminent political reporters in the past decade, Mr. Schrager has captured the spirit of Governor Carr’s unique impact on the West and this Nation… Governor Carr was a visionary who set the standard for exceptional leadership in the West… The legacy of Governor Ralph Carr should be known by every American.”   --Ken Salazar, U.S. Senator

”In this book, Adam Schrager captures the trials and tribulations of a principled Colorado Governor Carr leading up to and following the bombing of Pearl Harbor… Not only do we read about a great Coloradan, but about his many friends and associates who illuminated his character. This book is a good addition to the annals of Colorado’s colorful history and should be read by all.”  --Wayne Allard, U.S. Senator

“Carr was in office during a difficult time in our country’s history.  Fear was prevalent.  Real enemies were out to destroy the U.S. but Governor Carr refused to let that fear overrule what was right… There are parallels in America today… Adam Schrager has written an engaging book about a courageous man.  I encourage anyone interested in Colorado history, civil rights or WW2 history to read this book.  You will be inspired.”   --Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor of Colorado

“The Principled Politician” is much more than history. It is a vibrant story.  Schrager uses his skills as a journalist to bring the story alive… There are lessons to be learned here. Lessons that are applicable not only to Colorado, but to our nation.”--Bill Owens, Former Colorado Governor

”(The Principled Politician) helps renew your faith in the system to know that there are courageous leaders like Governor Carr. Adam Schrager tells a story of a genuine American political hero. Ralph Carr behaved the way that all of us would hope our public servants would act… A great piece of Colorado history!”
--Hank Brown, University of Colorado President

”Schrager's book is political biography at its best: briskly paced, well-researched and wonderfully readable.  Governor Carr emerges from these pages as a richly textured, complicated man who ultimately sacrifices his political career to serve a higher principle.  One of the great unwritten chapters in American history has finally been written.” --Rob Witwer, Colorado State Representative

“It was my great pleasure to read (this) marvelous biography of Governor Ralph Carr, which both edified and captivated me, and for which I am profoundly indebted to (the author)... It is a masterpiece.”
--Arthur A. Hansen, Professor Emeritus of History and Asian American Studies, California State University, Fullerton

”The story of Gov. Ralph Carr is one that needed to be memorialized and Schrager has marvelously captured the principled courage of a great Coloradan.  In a different moment in time Carr may have been a John Adams, Teddy Roosevelt, or Abe Lincoln – following his convictions, defending individual liberty and freedom even in the face of tremendous public pressure and setbacks... Carr’s legacy stands as an inspiration to all who believe in the greatness of the American Dream and that every single person really can make a difference if they believe and they try.”  --Bob Beauprez, Former U.S. Congressman

“As only a seasoned reporter can do, Schrager uses the words of others and of Governor Carr himself, to tell the story of how leaders sometimes must ignore their own ambition and public opinion in order to do what they believe is right.  Schrager’s book is a work that highlights the importance of courage and loyalty, not only in politics but in life.” --Paul Weissmann, Colorado State Representative