The Coal Miner Who Became Governor

"A brilliantly written "tell it all" story of Governor Patton's life and his efforts to increase economic opportunity and the quality of life for his fellow Kentuckians. The Governor skillfully mixes the development of his "good government agenda" with the reality of a "pretty good government agenda"—politics required to bring about real and needed change. This is a must read story  of an everyday Kentuckian committed to the state he loves."—Dr. Jim Ramsey , economist and former president, University of Louisville

"Paul Patton's story is an American success story.  He hitchhiked from his home county in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky to the University of Kentucky with no resources and went on to become one of the most influential and visionary Governors in Kentucky history. This book provides a valuable accounting of his impact as Governor, and by detailing his personal journey,  provides lessons to future generations on how leadership is measured."—Crit Luallen, Former Lieutenant Governor and State Auditor

"Paul Patton used an engineer's mindset to formulate and follow a plan to win the governor's office. Once elected, his administration would become one of consequence. In The Coal Miner Who Became Governor, Patton peels away the political facade and candidly explains his struggle to advance an ambitious and progressive agenda to move Kentucky forward. Higher education reform, tax increases, juvenile justice, early childhood education and his own personal shortcomings are among the issues Patton details in this must-read for those interested in Kentucky politics."—Ferrell Wellman, member of the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame and the Kentucky Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame

"Politics is an art not a science. This first person in-depth account from a master artist is a guidebook to the process of turning politics into public policy. Paul Patton turned the invaluable experience learned in local government to two masterful terms as governor, overhauling the higher education and workers compensation systems. He candidly recounts a moral lapse that ended his elective prospects without wallowing in lurid titillating details. This is a candid and exhaustive story of a politician who mastered the process but could not in the end master himself."—Barry Peel, former political reporter for WTVQ and WKYT television stations in Lexington, KY