Harry Whittington

Harry Whittington was a prominent Texas lawyer and Republican who served as a member of the Texas Public Utility Commission and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. He was a close friend of George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, and had ties to the Bush family. Whittington was also an avid hunting enthusiast, often participating in quail hunting trips with notable figures such as Dick Cheney and Karl Rove.

● Early Life and Education

Harry Whittington was born on March 3, 1927, in Austin, Texas, to a family of Texas politicians and lawyers. He attended Baylor University and later graduated from the University of Texas School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree. Whittington's early life was influenced by his family's connections to the Democratic Party and the Texas Legislature. He was friends with notable Texas politicians, including Lloyd Bentsen and John Connally. Whittington's education and upbringing prepared him for a career in law and politics, which would eventually lead him to serve on various Texas commissions, including the Texas Public Utility Commission and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission.

● Career

Whittington's career as a lawyer spanned several decades, during which he worked with prominent law firms, including Baker Botts and Vinson & Elkins. He was a member of the State Bar of Texas and the American Bar Association. Whittington's expertise in energy law and environmental law led to his appointment to the Texas Public Utility Commission by Governor of Texas Bill Clements. He also served on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, where he worked with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to conserve and manage Texas' natural resources. Whittington's career was marked by his involvement with various organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America and the National Rifle Association.

● Dick Cheney Shooting Incident

On February 11, 2006, Whittington was involved in a hunting accident in which he was shot by Dick Cheney, the Vice President of the United States, while participating in a quail hunting trip at the Armadillo Ranch in Kenedy County, Texas. The incident drew widespread media attention, with coverage from CNN, Fox News, and The New York Times. Whittington suffered injuries to his chest, neck, and face, but made a full recovery. The incident led to a Congressional investigation, with Henry Waxman and John Conyers calling for greater transparency regarding the incident. Whittington's friendship with Dick Cheney and other prominent Republican figures, including Karl Rove and George W. Bush, was subject to scrutiny in the aftermath of the incident.

● Later Life and Death

After the Dick Cheney shooting incident, Whittington continued to practice law and remained involved in Texas politics. He was a supporter of various Republican candidates, including Mitt Romney and Ted Cruz. Whittington was also a member of the Texas State Historical Association and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. He passed away on February 4, 2023, at the age of 95, in Austin, Texas, leaving behind a legacy as a prominent Texas lawyer and politician. Whittington's death was mourned by Texas politicians, including Greg Abbott and Dan Patrick, who praised his contributions to the state's energy industry and conservation efforts.

● Legacy

Harry Whittington's legacy is marked by his contributions to Texas law, politics, and conservation. He was a respected figure in the Texas legal community, with ties to prominent law firms, including Baker Botts and Vinson & Elkins. Whittington's involvement in Texas politics, including his service on the Texas Public Utility Commission and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, helped shape the state's energy policy and conservation efforts. His friendship with notable figures, including George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Dick Cheney, reflects his influence in Republican circles. Whittington's legacy is also marked by his love of hunting and the outdoors, which led to his involvement in various conservation organizations, including the National Rifle Association and the Boy Scouts of America. Category:American lawyers