adam j. schrager

Paul Fannin liked to joke that his segue to politics from his career selling natural gas or propane was natural. Both featured lots of “hot air.” He brought customer service and a businessman’s approach to the governor’s office of an emerging Arizona in the late 1950s, actively recruiting economic opportunities and cultivating financial, cultural and environmental ties with the Sonoran state in Mexico where he said, “God made us neighbors. Let us be good neighbors.”

As a two-term US Senator, he fought on behalf of Native Americans, workers who did not want to be compelled to join a union and shepherded the Central Arizona Project through the Senate, the single most important piece of legislation in Arizona history.

Tall Paul for the first time provides readers an important chapter in Arizona history, telling the story of Paul Fannin, the businessman-politician who helped transform Arizona.

“While many politicians today speak about economic development, Paul Fannin actually delivered. He dedicated his life to improving Arizona’s economy at a time when our state’s future was uncertain. Tall Paul is a must-read about an exemplary Arizona leader whose legacy of selfless public service has left a permanent mark on our state and nation.” – Senator John McCain

Foreword written by Retired U.S. Senator Jon Kyl