Falling Up: How a Redneck Helped Invent Political Consulting

Raymond Strother talked about his memoir Falling Up: How a Redneck Helped Invent Political Consulting, published by Louisiana State University Press. His narrative begins with his blue-collar upbringing in the small town of Port Arthur, Texas, during the 1940s and '50s. Following graduate school, Mr. Strother began managing several Louisiana politicians, including Senator Russell Long, son of Huey Long, and Governor James Houston “Jimmie” Davis. During this time, he began to specialize in political commercials for radio and television. According to Mr. Strother, his proficiency at radio and TV ads led to a succession of Democratic senatorial wins that culminated with Mr. Strother managing Gary Hart’s 1984 presidential campaign. close