Bob Riley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bob Riley
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![]() Riley in 2005
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52nd Governor of Alabama | |
In office January 20, 2003 – January 17, 2011 |
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Lieutenant | Lucy Baxley Jim Folsom |
Preceded by | Don Siegelman |
Succeeded by | Robert Bentley |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 3rd district |
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In office January 3, 1997 – January 3, 2003 |
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Preceded by | Glen Browder |
Succeeded by | Mike Rogers |
Personal details | |
Born |
Robert Renfroe Riley
October 3, 1944 Ashland, Alabama, U.S. |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse |
Patsy Adams
(m. 1964) |
Children | 4 |
Education | University of Alabama (BA) |
Robert Renfroe Riley (born October 3, 1944) is an American retired politician and businessman. He served as the 52nd governor of Alabama from 2003 to 2011. Before that, he was a U.S. representative for Alabama's 3rd congressional district from 1997 to 2003. He is a member of the Republican Party.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Bob Riley was born in Ashland, Alabama. This is a small town where his family had farmed and ranched for many generations. He went to the University of Alabama. There, he studied business administration. Before becoming a politician, Riley owned several businesses. He had a car dealership and a trucking company. He also worked as a cattleman and a real estate agent.
Serving in the U.S. House

Riley was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996. This was his first time running for an elected office. He won by a small number of votes. He became only the second Republican to represent Alabama's 3rd district since the Reconstruction period.
He was reelected in 1998 and again in 2000. He had set a rule for himself to serve only three terms. Because of this, he did not run for reelection in 2002.
Governor of Alabama
The 2002 Election
In 2002, Bob Riley ran for governor of Alabama. He won against the current Democratic governor, Don Siegelman. The election was very close, with Riley winning by about 3,000 votes. This was the closest governor's race in Alabama's history.
First Term as Governor
Public Opinion
During his first term, people's opinions about Governor Riley changed. In May 2005, his approval ratings were lower. But by September 2005, they had gone up a lot. This increase was likely because of how he handled Hurricane Katrina. By August 2006, most people approved of his work.
State Taxes and Changes
Early in his time as governor, Riley suggested a plan called "Amendment One." This plan aimed to change Alabama's tax system. It would have lowered income taxes for some people. It would also have raised taxes on other things, like property. The goal was to make the state budget more stable. It also included ideas for better schools and scholarships.
Many groups supported this plan, including business and education organizations. However, some groups, like the Alabama Farmers Federation, were against it. They worried that taxes would go up for many people. Voters rejected Amendment One on September 9, 2003. Even though it was rejected, Riley was recognized nationally for trying to fix the state's money problems. He was called a "courageous politician" by Time magazine.
Boosting the Economy
Governor Riley worked to bring new businesses and jobs to Alabama. Under his leadership, unemployment in Alabama dropped. In March 2006, it reached 3.3%. This was the lowest rate recorded in the state since 1976.
One big success was when ThyssenKrupp decided to build a large steel mill near Mobile, Alabama. This was a huge project for the state. It created 2,700 jobs. Alabama also received awards for its efforts in job creation and economic growth.
Responding to Hurricanes
In 2005, Alabama faced Hurricane Dennis and Hurricane Katrina. Governor Riley declared a state of emergency for Hurricane Katrina. He asked President George W. Bush for help for several counties in south Alabama.
Second Term as Governor
Economic Challenges
In April 2007, Alabama's unemployment rate was still low at 3.3%. However, during the global economic downturn, the unemployment rate in Alabama increased. By May 2009, it reached 9.8%. This was the highest unemployment rate for Alabama in 25 years at that time.
Despite these challenges, Alabama received awards for its workforce development programs. The state's tourism efforts also won national recognition.
Open Government
Governor Riley worked to make government more open. He shared information online about how state money was spent. He also posted records of state airplane flights.
Apology for Slavery
In 2007, Governor Riley signed a resolution. This resolution was passed by the state legislature. It apologized for slavery in Alabama's history.
Life After Being Governor
After leaving office in 2011, Bob Riley continued his personal life. He is married to Patsy Adams, and they have four children. One of their daughters, Jenice, passed away in 2001. They have several grandchildren.
In 2011, Riley was in a motorcycle accident in Alaska. He had serious injuries but recovered.