Jerry Litton... The greatest president America never had?

August 3rd, 1976. That date may not mean much to those outside of the state of Missouri, but for those of us from the Show-Me-State, it is a date that will never be forgotten. It was on that night that Jerry Litton, along with his wife and children, died in a tragic plane crash in Chillicothe. Litton had just received word that he had secured the Democratic nomination for the United States Senate. He and his family were on their way to Kansas City to be interviewed by KMBC news anchor Larry Moore on election night when the tragedy occurred. Those who knew Jerry Litton best would tell you that he was on a fast track to become President of the United States. Jerry Litton was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1972, and was considered a rising star in the Democratic Party. Jerry Litton's success in politics was due in large part to the fact that he never forgot where he came from, much like another popular and famous politician from Missouri who went on to become America's 33rd president. Many Missourians appreciated how accessible Litton was as a politician. His television show "Dialogue with Litton" gave voters a chance to address key issues with the congressman directly. One of his guests, former President Jimmy Carter (who at the time would have been future President Jimmy Carter), shared the belief of many Americans that Jerry Litton would one day be President of the United States. We sure could use Jerry Litton's leadership in Washington today. Had Jerry Litton been elected President of the United States, I have no doubt that our nation would be much better off today. Litton understood that as a country, we could not spend more than we took in. Today's political leaders should take a lesson from one of Missouri's most beloved politicians. As we approach the 35th anniversary of Jerry Litton's death, let us never forget the legacy that he left. Due to his popularity and achievements in politics, Jerry Litton is considered by many to be the greatest president America never had.