Exploring the life and political career of Governor Richard D. Lamm, The Governor's Chessboard , is an intimate look at a prominent politician, including many of his successes, challenges, and defeats. Politics in America is not a place for boat-rockers, but Governor Lamm successfully made a name for himself by going against the tide of popular opinion. He violated most of the conventional rules of American politics, chiefly by taking on a number of very controversial issues, including abortion rights, civil rights, and immigration. He has always marched to the beat of his own drum, and he continues to do so, well into his eighties.