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Inside the Story



Get a first look inside the book with David Lawrence's glowing introduction to Citizen Mack, out May 12!

 In the golden age of baseball in the fifties when I was growing up, everybody knew the name Connie Mack. Part owner and manager of the Philadelphia Athletics for a half-century, he exemplified the decency, savvy, and optimism of the American soul. It runs in the family.
That’s the story—and the DNA—of his grandson, the namesake senator. With all that decency, savvy, and common sense, the present-day Connie Mack has led an especially meaningful life. Now he shares that story with us.
Almost three decades ago, then publisher of the Miami Herald, I wrote a column about Connie Mack, then in his early days of senatorial service. The headline: “The Senator: Comfortable with Himself.” The Senator made it clear that he never considered his famous forebear a burden. Rather, as I quoted him, “It was a challenge to live up to. I had an obligation to make sure the name would be considered a good and honest one.”
He succeeded. And then some. This book tells that story. The altar boy who became one of the big boys of the United States Senate. A public servant who never bragged despite having the credibility to do so. (I am reminded of the words of the great pitcher Dizzy Dean: “Bragging ain’t bragging if it’s true.) Citizen Mack’s story rings clear and true. 
You will find no pussyfooting in this book—about the likes of George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Bob Dole, Newt Gingrich, John McCain, Ronald Reagan, or Clarence Thomas. Connie Mack is himself. Hard worker who memorized the most significant chunks of the federal budget. Straight talker about arrogant politicians—he names them—but never with words intended to be hurtful. Never a voice of anger or hatefulness. Got along with just about anyone, including people in the other party (Senator Bob Graham being a good example). A model of civil discourse (now more necessary than ever). Everglades protector. A man who hated to go to war, but knew it was sometimes necessary. Thought a presidential impeachment was justified. A free-trader. A banker who knew business. Front-row flag-bearer in the Reagan Revolution on behalf of freedom—for people and for the markets. Inspired by Reagan and JFK. 
A life embedded in faith and family. Cancer crusader leading the fight at home (the loss of a brother and later threats to his own life and to his wife Priscilla, a love that begins in their high school years).
Willing to own up to what he came to believe were his own mistakes (term limits and support for a certain Supreme Court justice). Willing to share the personally painful (alcohol in his family, for instance). 
A man in demand. (George W. Bush wanted him to be his running mate.) A man who deserved to be in demand then—and still.
A good book.
And a good man. 

 - David Lawrence - the retired publisher of the Miami Herald, a member of the Florida Newspaper Hall of Fame, and chair of the Children’s Movement of Florida.

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