Richard O. Ristine was born in 1920 in Crawfordsville, Indiana. He graduated from Wabash College in 1941 and earned a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School in 1945. Ristine served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, achieving the rank of captain. After the war, he was admitted to the Indiana State Bar Association and embarked on a legal career. He joined the Republican Party in 1950 and was elected to the Indiana Senate, later serving as lieutenant governor from 1961 to 1965. During his tenure, he voted for Indiana's first sales tax in 1963. Post-1965, Ristine continued his legal practice and held various corporate board positions. He later became chairman of the Indiana Historical Society.

Richard O. Ristine's political identity is marked by a calculated approach to economic policy, as evidenced by his support for Indiana's first sales tax in 1963. His military background in World War II adds a layer of experience that informs his policy decisions. Ristine's later career in law and corporate governance suggests a pragmatic yet principled stance, while his leadership in the Indiana Historical Society hints at a commitment to preserving regional heritage. This blend of fiscal responsibility, military experience, and historical advocacy creates an intriguing tension between traditional values and progressive economic measures.