Journalists Johnson, Carson delve into detail of dynamic politician's life

Morris "Mo" K. Udall's memory, his sense of humor and his influence as an environmentalist will not fade quickly from the hearts of Arizonans. His legend now lives on with the recent release of his biography, "Mo: The Life and Times of Morris K. Udall."

Two journalists - Jim Johnson, University of Arizona journalism professor, and Donald Carson, former UA journalism department head and professor emeritus - interviewed 110 of Udall's family members and friends to paint an intimate portrait of the dedicated politician's life.

Johnson and Carson began work on the biography before Udall passed away Dec. 12, 1998.

Udall's bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1976 put him in the national spotlight, but this book will help further cement his historical contributions, Johnson said.