By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-794179.mp3
Dallas, TX – Former Attorney General and Dallas Democrat Jim Mattox has died. KERA's Shelley Kofler reports the colorful politician will be remembered for his feisty personality.
Jim Mattox was a scrappy, middle class kid from East Dallas who cut his political teeth as an assistant district attorney to Dallas County's legendary DA, Henry Wade. First elected to the state house in the 70's, he was swept into the state attorney general's office in 1982 during the Democratic wave that placed Ann Richards, Garry Mauro and Mark White in state offices.
Known as the people's lawyer for his defense of consumer rights, and open government Mattox later ran unsuccessfully for Governor against Ann Richards and for the U.S. Senate. A graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, Mattox was 65 years old. Family members say he died in his sleep.