Nelson, Gaylord
Description
James Cavanaugh interviews Gaylord Nelson on March 25, 1985. Nelson discusses his background and entry into politics, the relationship between the Wisconsin Progressive Party and the Republican Party, the Progressive Party's dissolution, the La Follette family and their influence on Wisconsin politics, the Democratic Organizing Committee (DOC), the beginnings of the Democratic Party as a viable political force in Wisconsin, Nelson's service during WWII (including as commander of a black company), his own campaigns for the state legislature and for governor, DOC finances, and the combined efforts of multiple Wisconsin politicians to expose Joseph McCarthy's record prior to his election. Prominent political figures mentioned include Horace Wilkie, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Jerry Fox, Bob Tehan, Miles McMillin, Julia Boegholt, Tom Fairchild, and Jim Corcoran. Nelson was elected to the state senate in 1948, as governor in 1958, and U.S. senator in 1962, where he served until 1980.
Sound
Cassette Tape
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