Best Seat in The House (Softcover)

By: The Honorable John H. Hager

with Nancy P. Wheeler 

At a time when so many people are cynical about politics and politicians, John Hager’s inspiring memoir is a welcome antidote. On one hand, his book is a must read for anyone who wants to understand contemporary Republican politics in Virginia as it traces John’s rise to the Lieutenant Governorship and the challenges he faced in his gubernatorial quest. Yet the memoir also shows his role as a true servant leader at the local, state and national level. In RVA, he was instrumental in the establishment of a regional convention center; at the state level, he had principal responsibility for homeland security under both Republican and Democratic Governors; and he served as an Assistant Secretary in the Bush Administration, enhancing opportunities for people with disabilities. Remarkably, John Hager accomplished all this after being stricken with polio midway through a successful business career. His extraordinary determination enabled him to consistently overcome a set of daunting obstacles. People sometimes speak of an individual being “confined to a wheelchair.” John Hager’s memoir powerfully demonstrates that his spirit would not allow him to be “confined” to anything. This is a message that transcends politics and should inspire us all.

Dr. Robert “Bob” Holsworth, Managing Partner at DecideSmart