Richard Riordan

Richard J. Riordan (born May 1, 1930) is a Republican politician from California, who had served as the California Secretary for Education from 2003–2005 and as Mayor of Los Angeles from 1993–2001. Riordan ran for Governor of California unsuccessfully in 2002. A Catholic, he is married to Nancy Daly Riordan and has three daughters from his first marriage.

California Secretary for Education

When Davis was removed by the 2003 California recall, there was speculation that Riordan might run for his office. However, after friend and fellow moderate Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger announced his intention to run, Riordan decided against running himself. He endorsed Schwarzenegger, and, following his victory, served on his transition team, and was appointed to the cabinet as Secretary for Education. Riordan left the position on June 30 2005.

Related Topics:
2003 California recall - Arnold Schwarzenegger - Secretary for Education - June 30 - 2005

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Not known for his eloquence, Riordan became the center of a media circus, due to a remark made July 1 2004 to a 6-year-old girl in Santa Monica. During a children's library event, a girl asked Riordan if he knew what her name, Isis, meant. Riordan responded, "it means stupid, dirty girl," laughed with several others in the crowd, and then asked her what it really meant. She then replied, "It means 'Egyptian goddess'," to which Riordan stated, "That's neat." He later explained it as a failed attempt at humor. Although Governor Schwarzenegger continues to support him, Riordan's resignation has been demanded by State Assemblyman Mervyn M. Dymally, citizens' rights groups, and civil rights groups, including the NAACP and LULAC. The NAACP, however, rescinded their insistence after learning that the girl was white.

Related Topics:
Media circus - July 1 - 2004 - Santa Monica - Isis - Humor - State Assemblyman - Mervyn M. Dymally - Civil rights - NAACP - LULAC

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