PBS Documentary on Al Simpson Will Air Nationally

A documentary on politician Al Simpson will air nationally on PBS stations this Monday, Feb. 28. Local Wyoming PBS will broadcast the documentary titled, "Alan K. Simpson: Nothing Else Matters" at 9 p.m."If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters." -Senator Alan Simpson, WY

Simpson is renowned for his humor and frankness, often focused on volatile issues like Social Security and immigration. He recently as co-chair of President Barack Obama's deficit reduction commission, developing a controversial roadmap for cutting the federal budget.

A release from Wyoming PBS says the documentary reflects on nearly a half a century of of public service. Simpson offers an uncensored and privileged view, as a close friend to Presidents and a key congressional leader, on some of the historic moments and most volatile issues of America's late 20th century, from the radioactive leak at the Three Mile Island Nuclear plant, to the Gulf War in 1990.

Insight into this controversial public figure is provided by both his friends and enemies. Culled from many hours of conversation, Simpson's story is told in his own inimitable words. But there are other voices as well: former President George H.W. Bush, Senator Ted Kennedy in one of his last interviews before his death, Senator Trent Lott, former Vice President Dick Cheney, National Public Radio's Nina Totenburg, NBC journalist Pete Williams, well known attorney Gerry Spence, and even David McCullough.

The documentary was developed over a three year period by Wyoming PBS producer Geoffrey O'Gara, a journalist and author who covered Simpson's career in both Washington and Wyoming.