The 1968 Oregon Republican Primary and the Decline of Liberal Republicanism Author(s): GENE KOPELSON Source: The Pacific Northwest Quarterly , Spring 2014, Vol. 105, No. 2 (Spring 2014), pp. 73-84 Published by: University of Washington Stable URL: http://www.jstor.com/stable/24631887

JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact [email protected].

Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at https://about.jstor.org/terms

is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to The Pacific Northwest Quarterly

This content downloaded from 128.95.104.109 on Fri, 23 Oct 2020 04:22:59 UTC All use subject to https://about.jstor.org/terms The 1968 Oregon Republican Primary and the Decline of Liberal Republicanism

GENE KOPELSON

Republican presidential candidate, publican counterparts in that, like to the primary season of and was then elected, and next would the Democrats, they believed in big When Americans 1968, they think ofthink the lib back come Watergate, the administration government solutions; however, they eral Democrats Robert Kennedy and of another centrist, the unelected thought they could manage the bu Eugene McCarthy slugging it out for , and finally, the ascen reaucracy better than their colleagues their party's nomination. Reporters dancy of the conservative wing of the on the other side of the aisle. and, subsequently, historians paid lit Republican Party with the election of tle attention to the Republican primar in 1980. Thus this pri National Republican leaders did not ies, thinking that had mary deserves more attention, for it want a repeat of the 1964 election, in the Republican nomination all sewn can serve as a lens on the shift within which Goldwater lost in a landslide to up.1 What has remained understudied the Republican Party away from liber the Democrat Lyndon Baines Johnson, is the attempt by liberals within the alism. This essay will examine in de and thus most wanted to nominate a party to mount a challenge to Nixon. tail the Oregon campaigns of Rom centrist Republican this time. But pri That year, liberal Republicans in Ore ney, , Lindsay, and Nixon, marily they wanted a winner. Many gon, led by the state's , Tom as well as how the state's liberal Re saw that winner as the centrist Rich McCall, searched for a candidate who publicans, led by Governor McCall, ard Nixon, but they still had reserva might be able to win Oregon's primary tried to buck the national decline of tions about him after his losses in the on May 28 and thus possibly derail Republican liberalism. 1960 presidential election and the Nixon's easy ride to the nomination. 1962 gubernatorial election. Though Nixon was the front-runner, In 1968, Oregon was a Republican With Robert F. Kennedy the likely these liberals were hoping to stop him state. Republicans held both the gover Democratic nominee should Johnson from getting enough delegates to win norship and the secretary of state's ofnot run, Republicans were concerned on the first ballot at the Republican fice, were about to take control of both about nominating a perennial loser national convention, thereby forcing U.S. Senate seats, held the Oregon and facing another Nixon-Kennedy a second ballot, in which delegates house, and, via a coalition with conser debate. Republican leaders in Oregon were free to vote for anyone of their vative Democrats, also controlled the would attempt to thwart Nixon's nom choosing. Oregon senate. With the exception of ination by searching for and promot the Johnson landslide in 1964, Oregon ing liberals as the Oregon primary The three most viable liberal Republi had voted Republican in every presi approached. cans were the governors George Rom dential race since 1948. Within the Re ney of Michigan and Nelson A. Rock publican Party in Oregon, more liberal efeller of and the New York elements dominated. Governor Mc Oregon states was that one held ofa primary a minority election. of City mayor But by the Call, Senator , the house Most states still held caucuses or con time of the Oregon primary on May speaker F. F. "Monte" Montgomery, ventions at the local, county, or state 28, Romney had dropped out of the and the soon-to-be-elected Senator levels, where party members would de race, Rockefeller had dithered so much Bob Packwood were liberal Republi termine which delegates would go to on whether to enter the Oregon pri cans. And just a few years before, it wasthe national convention. The political mary and officially announce his can in Oregon where the liberal Nelson scientist Joseph Allman notes that Or didacy that he permanently damaged Rockefeller had defeated the conserva egon's "relatively unique primary sys his chances of winning in the state, tive Barry Goldwater, his only win tem has always made it an important and Lindsay had never announced his against Goldwater in the 1964 primar testing ground for both issues and candidacy. The centrist Nixon won the ies. Liberals such as Rockefeller dif candidates."2 Indeed, as the journalist Oregon primary, was nominated as the fered from their more conservative Re Brent Waith points out, by 1968 Ore

Spring 2014 73

This content downloaded from 128.95.104.109 on Fri, 23 Oct 2020 04:22:59 UTC All use subject to https://about.jstor.org/terms there was strong support for a liberal Republican, he himself would enter the fray.9

That fall Romney further damaged his chances at earning the nomination when he told a journalist that he had been brainwashed by the Johnson ad ministration into supporting the Viet nam war effort.10 Nixon's campaign manager immediately attacked him, stating that Romney "showed weak ness," which would be "very damaging" in a national campaign.11

His supporters in Oregon held a fund raising event for Romney in Portland on September 7, but according to Mc Call, "the overflow crowd of Republi Many liberalliberal Republicans Republicans at atfirst first supported supported the theMichigan Michigan governor governor George George Romney Romney in the in canthe moderates who were there left race forfor thethe 1968 1968 Republican Republican presidential presidential nomination, nomination, believing believing he was he the was liberal the liberalmost most disappointed and even bored." McCall able toto beatbeat the the centrist centrist Richard Richard Nixon Nixon for forthe thenomination. nomination. (Photo (Photo by Warren by Warren K. Leffler, K. Leffler, recalled that Romney's trip to Oregon Prints andand Photographs Photographs Online Online Catalog, Catalog, Library Library of Congress of Congress [LOC], [LOC], LC-DIG-ds-02746) LC-DIG-ds-02746) was "a disaster."12 In spite of the spi raling poll numbers caused by his gon had a few characteristics that made and anyone—Rockefeller, Nixon, Rea brainwashing comment, Romney an the state a "crucial battleground."3 gan, Romney—could conceivably grab nounced the start of his official presi many votes. dential campaign on November 18, First, Oregon had a new law tasking 1967, the first candidate to formally the secretary of state with determining Liberal leaders in Oregon, and across step into the race. A few weeks later, which names should be on the ballot; the country, at first had their eyes on the Portland Oregonian noted, "Re thus, only those deemed serious presi the Michigan governor George Rom ports that Romney has had difficulty dential candidates would be listed. ney. In February 1967, Romney trav in getting an organization going in This new law forced candidates to deal eled to Alaska and the Rocky Moun Oregon persist and little evidence of with, and not ignore, Oregon.4 If one tain states, areas where he enjoyed organized activity on his behalf has was not listed on the ballot by the sec some popularity, to assess whether he come to light." According to McCall, retary of state, another method to get should mount a campaign for presi Romney was "unable to persuade any on the ballot was via a petition with dent, but his trip was widely deemed a Oregon Republican of stature to head 1,000 signatures. A candidate could failure. In addition to being an unin his campaign committee."13 withdraw from the election by signing spiring speaker, Romney had difficulty an affidavit. Voters in Oregon did not articulating his position on Vietnam.6 actually vote for the candidate, but Travis Cross, an Oregonian and Rom McCall's dential first nomination choice for had the always presi instead elected delegates who were ney's chief press aide, left the campaign been the New York governor Nelson pledged to a certain candidate. at the end of the trip.7 Oregon's gover Rockefeller. McCall saw Rockefeller as nor, Tom McCall, fearing Romney was someone with national stature, for he Second, Oregon was not like New York not the best candidate, asked his fellow had been a politician for decades and or other big industrial states back east. Republican governors to stay uncom was governor of the nation's second It had few urbanités, blacks, Hispanics, mitted.8 Nevertheless, five governors largest state. And Rockefeller was no or Catholics, all of whom traditionally still supported Romney, among them stranger to Oregon. In 1964, he had voted Democratic. The state did have, Rockefeller, who at this point had not campaigned there in person against however, a large population of "edu publicly mentioned any interest inGoldwater and had trounced his oppo cated, middle- and upper-middle-class running for president himself. Many, nent in the primary, 92,142 to 49,197 white suburbanites."5 Given the growth however, felt that Rockefeller was us votes. Rockefeller's winning slogan had of suburbs across the country, Oregon ing Romney as a stalking horse and been "He Cared Enough to Come to was viewed as a good testing ground, that if the New York governor saw that Oregon."14 But after being booed at the

74 ^Pacific 'Northwest Quarterly

This content downloaded from 128.95.104.109 on Fri, 23 Oct 2020 04:22:59 UTC All use subject to https://about.jstor.org/terms national Republican convention that , believed it was imperative The need to kick off the candidacy of a year, he refused to endorse his former that Rockefeller enter the Oregon pri liberal challenger thus became even rival, and his bitterness never abated. mary, fearing that if Nixon was left more urgent. Because Rockefeller was Many Republican leaders, outraged at unchallenged in Oregon, he would still undecided about whether to enter Rockefeller's disloyalty, vowed that they coast to the nomination.24 McCall and the race and run in Oregon's primary, would never vote for him again. Hatfield advised Rockefeller: "Drop his supporters decided to bring in a the cloak of non-candidacy and chal pinch hitter. They settled on the New Yet McCall bucked the trend. In late lenge Nixon in Oregon." The two men York City mayor John Lindsay, who, 1967, six months ahead of the 1968 felt Oregon to be "the primary ground like Rockefeller (and unlike Nixon), Oregon primary, McCall lived up to most favorable to Rockefeller"; indeed, was "equipped to deal with big city his reputation as a maverick by ex if Rockefeller chose to enter the Ore problems."30 In office only since 1966, pressing support for a Rockefeller run gon race, the old 1964 Rockefeller or Lindsay had already dealt with two for president. To show his apprecia ganization "could be reconstituted in major episodes of labor strife, a tran tion, Rockefeller invited McCall to a matter of days."25 sit strike during the first year of his speak in Manhattan at a reelection mayoralty and a sanitation strike at campaign dinner for the New York Another local proponent of Rockefel the beginning of February 1968.31 Ri state senator Jacob Javits, "a glitzy afler's in the state, Monte Montgomery, oting and looting in America's big cit fair, held at the Waldorf Astoria, and speaker of the Oregon House of Repre ies dominated the headlines at the covered by the national media," ac sentatives, disagreed sharply with those time, and Rockefeller's supporters cording to Waith. McCall was seated atwho argued that Rockefeller should wanted Lindsay, someone with a the dais with Rockefeller and Nixon.15 enter the primary. Montgomery be proven track record in dealing with ur McCall "seized the opportunity" for lieved that if Rockefeller was to have ban problems, to discuss his belief in Rockefeller, joking, "Republican New any chance of winning the Republican Rockefeller's ability to handle such is Yorkers are popular in Oregon. Nelson nomination, he could not afford to sues as president. Rockefeller scored an historic win in lose in Oregon to another Republican the 1964 primary election. Parentheti and should thus remain a noncandi Lindsay had started his mayorship cally, I hope he repeats it in 1968."16 date. Montgomery's advice to Rocke "molding a nonpartisan image as a fu His comments, McCall said, "brought feller to. "stay out of Oregon" carried sion candidate," but during the Oregon the house down."17 One attendee, the "no little weight" and coincided "extrip, stated the journalist Richard Washington Star reporter Mary Mc actly with the thinking of Rockefeller," Reeves, he began sounding "more like Grory, stated that McCall "ruined the reported the Oregonian in January a Republican ... than he has in almost evening for Richard M. Nixon."18 1968.26 three years." Lindsay began his visit in Nixon had "blanched" when McCall Eugene, where 2,000 "enthusiastic" made this comment,19 and according University of Oregon students listened to McGrory, "a silence such as when In supporters,latea January, quietly Rockefeller's led by McCall, Oregon as the mayor attacked President John child has pulled off a tablecloth, with pursued a new strategy to convince son's Vietnam policies; Lindsay was a all the china, ensued."20 McCall theirdid candidate to enter their state's dove on Vietnam. At the Eugene Press not care that he had insulted Nixon; primary.27 With Rockefeller's knowl Club, Lindsay was presented with a he detested Nixon's "mean-spirited edge, this group, calling itself the Ore garbage can cover "inside of which was politics."21 gon Draft Rockefeller Committee, be a large picture of Governor Rocke gan planning an "intensive write-in feller." The mayor laughed, quickly Thus far, however, Rockefeller still campaign for the Oregon primary."28 adding that he and Rockefeller would publicly maintained that he sup In good news for Rockefeller, the Ore "continue to work together despite ported Romney.22 But McCall began gon secretary of state declared that their public squabbling during New working behind the scenes, trying even to if Rockefeller decided to sign the York's sanitation strike."32 persuade Rockefeller to run and withdrawal to affidavit, he could still win enter Oregon's primary, meeting with the Oregon primary by write-in. The Lindsay then spoke at a dinner at the Rockefeller's campaign aides to disaffidavit would be valid only at the Portland Sheraton Hotel sponsored by cuss strategy, and drumming up suptime he filed it and would not prevent the Multnomah County Republican port among his fellow Republicans.23 him from changing his mind later.29 Party. Before the 1,000 attendees, he McCall and other members of the Re charged the Johnson administration publican liberal wing, including Hat On February 1, Richard Nixon offi with neglecting the nation's cities. That field and Rockefeller's own brother, cially announced his candidacy for the evening he was asked by reporters if he Governor Winthrop Rockefeller of Republican presidential nomination. himself was a candidate for higher of

Spring 2014 75

This content downloaded from 128.95.104.109 on Fri, 23 Oct 2020 04:22:59 UTC All use subject to https://about.jstor.org/terms fice, and he "smilingly" assured them In a stunning turn of events, on Febru conservative opposition and allow him that he was not. Nevertheless, Lindsay ary 28, one of those liberals, George to avoid "having to speak out on such "was treated as a candidate wherever Romney, withdrew from the presiden controversial national issues" as Viet he went," stated Reeves.33 Though sent tial race after campaigning in Oregon nam.42 In addition, if he declared now, in to help Rockefeller, Lindsay fordid two days. The continued decline he in would also be put on the ballot in have presidential ambitions of hishis poll numbers had sealed his fate.37 conservative , whose primary own, and others had similar aspira Romney did not endorse Rockefeller election would be held on May 14. tions for him since his election as upon his withdrawal; according to McRomney's withdrawal forced Rocke mayor, viewing him as a potential Call, he "felt betrayed because Rocke feller to reexamine his decision and to presidential or vice presidential fellercandi had admitted he would accept consider a bringing "his candidacy out date.34 However, Lindsay could not'draft' be for the nomination" at the Re into the open at least two months ear the running mate of either Nixon publican or national convention.38 Thelier" than planned.43 Rockefeller, because electors are barred Nixon campaign immediately issued a from casting votes for a president press and release announcing that they vice president from the same state.35 were "pleased and gratified" and that Rockefeller not to declare had many his candidacy good reasons just Furthermore, in the opinion of the Governor his Romney's withdrawal yet,per but he also had many good reasons torian Theodore H. White, Lindsay haps left "Nixon as the only major to jump into the race now. A poll con would never run for president asGOP long candidate who will personally ducted six weeks earlier had indicated as Rockefeller was being considered campaign" for in Oregon.39 The first of thethat Rockefeller was leading Nixon by the position. Lindsay, states White, major was liberal contenders was gone. a margin of 10 percentage points (45 simply "the most glamorous figure in a to 35) in Oregon, but a recent poll column of liberals whose Grand Mar A day after Romney's announcement, showed that he was now only one point shal, nationally, was Nelson Rocke McCall asked his Republican colleagues ahead, with 41 percent of the vote.44 feller; Lindsay could not—or believed at the National Governors' Conference He was also under increasing pressure he could not—operate effectively, to ei sign a declaration "urging the New from his supporters to declare his can ther as mayor or as Presidential con York governor to enter the Oregon didacy; they planned to mount a peti tender, against the will of Nelson Presidential primary for the good oftion drive to urge him to do so. They Rockefeller."36 the party." However, McCall's enthusi told the Oregonian that it was "impera asm for his fellow liberal Republican tive" that Rockefeller respond to the was not shared by most of his 26 gu petition movement and campaign in bernatorial colleagues: fewer than one Oregon. In addition, Mark Hatfield third signed the declaration.40 was prodding Rockefeller "to make a clear-cut statement," saying that he When asked at the conference again ifowed "it to the Republican Party and he would campaign in Oregon, Rocke to the people."45 McCall was also push feller said no, and when asked if he ing for Rockefeller to commit, declar planned to sign the affidavit of with ing that with Romney's withdrawal, drawal, he answered yes. Oregon's sec "Rockefeller had the opening we had retary of state had not yet named the all been waiting for."46 slate of primary candidates; Rocke feller wanted to withdraw before his On February 28, the Oregonian re name was printed on the ballot. portedMc that the Rockefeller campaign Call did not like this, believing that was "beginning to line up an Oregon given the Romney withdrawal, Rocke advertising firm in order to conduct a feller's integrity would suffer if vigoroushe campaign in the May pri signed the affidavit taking his name mary."47off Because there was now little the ballot but then permitted a write time for Rockefeller to have much of in campaign.41 an impact on the upcoming New Some Republicans viewedviewed JohnJohn LindsayLindsay Hampshire and Wisconsin primaries, as another potential liberalliberal presidentialpresidential If Rockefeller did decide to run, his which Nixon was expected to win, candidate in 1968,1968, butbut itit isis likelylikely thatthat hehe strategists wanted to avoid announc Rockefeller, according to his aides, did not want toto runrun asas longlong asas RockefellerRockefeller was being considered. (Photo(Photo byby OrlandoOrlando ing his candidacy "at least until the Or "would put all his chips on stopping Fernandez, PrintsPrints andand PhotographsPhotographs OnlineOnline egon primary in May," because that Nixon in Oregon."48 Pundits believed Catalog, LOC, LC-USZ62-133401)LC-USZ62-133401) would lessen the likelihood of strong that many former Romney supporters

76 'Pacific 'Northwest Quarterly

This content downloaded from 128.95.104.109 on Fri, 23 Oct 2020 04:22:59 UTC All use subject to https://about.jstor.org/terms in Oregon would now join the move in August and in November."52 Three ment to draft Rockefeller and that this recent straw polls found Rockefeller might be the basis for a potential edging out Nixon by between one and Rockefeller-Romney ticket at the na four points in Oregon.53 tional convention in Miami Beach, .49 Oregon's liberal Republican On March 12, New Hampshire held its big guns gladly hopped aboard the primary, which Nixon won. The only seemingly now official Rockefeller other Republican on the ballot was bandwagon. Indeed, McCall and HatRomney, who had already dropped out field were in the driver's seat of the of the race. Rockefeller received a wagon. But now they would have to getlarger-than-expected number of write it into first gear. in votes, which his supporters hoped would push him to enter the Oregon That would prove to be a tough propo primary and fight Nixon openly.54 sition. On March 7, Rockefeller held Some a national polls showed Nixon RonaldRonald and Reagan Reagan was alsowas placed also placedon the on the primaryprimary ballot ballot by the by Oregon the Oregon secretary secretary press conference to announce that Reaganhe dividing up conservative votes,of state in 1968. He did not win the would file the withdrawal affidavit. putting Rockefeller in the lead. Republican Yet nomination that year, but 12 When asked at the press conference many Republicans, in addition to years still later, he won both the nomination what factors would force him into Or being angry at Rockefeller for his and rethe presidential election, illustrating egon, Rockefeller said he would enter fusal to support Goldwater in the1964, shift toward conservatism within if there was a "genuine demand orwere concerned about the governor's the Republican Party. (Courtesy of Fred draft" and that it was a "difficult" deci big-spending policies in Albany, VanNatta) and sion.50 Indeed, leaders do need to make one commented that it would "take difficult decisions, and Rockefeller's more than a few duck-soup speeches concerned about Rockefeller. At a continued dithering did not help his and a patsy run in Oregon" to make small dinner gathering held earlier in frustrated supporters in Oregon con them vote for Rockefeller.55 If Nixon the year at the apartment of the con vince others that he would be the did not win on the first ballot at the servative writer William F. Buckley, Jr., right man for president. The next national day, convention and a second bal Nixon had declared, "I have never lost Rockefeller met privately with alot num occurred, many still would not supa primary," a statement that stunned ber of Republican leaders to discuss port Rockefeller, even if he did run andBuckley. But then he quickly corrected whether he should run in Oregon, win inin Oregon. himself, adding, "Except to Nelson cluding McCall. Also in attendance Rockefeller in 1964 in Oregon."59 were John Lindsay, the New York sen Shortly after his win in New Hamp ator Jacob Javits, and six governors, Nixon dential opened primary his Oregoncampaign presi onshire in March, Nixon stated that including Nelson's brother Winthrop. March 15.56 He flew to Portland ac Rockefeller would be the favorite in the Everyone there encouraged Rocke companied by his wife and their two Oregon primary, if he chose to run, be feller to enter Oregon's primary.51 daughters, along with David Eisen cause he had won there in 1964. Nixon hower, his daughter Julie's fiancé and added that if indeed Rockefeller did On March 11, Oregon's secretary grandson of of the former president. win, it "would not finish" his own cam state announced that Reagan, Rocke Among those greeting Nixon at the paign, but if Nixon could win in Ore feller, Nixon, and the Illinois senator airport was his state chairman, the for gon, then he "would have the nomina Charles Percy would be placed on mer the Oregon secretary of state Howell tion assured."60 Republican primary ballot for presiAppling, Jr.5/ By the time of Nixon's ar dent. The deadline for filing a withrival, Appling had organized cam Nixon needed McCall's help. Shortly drawal affidavit was March 22, just paigns 11 in 34 of Oregon's 36 counties. after his arrival in Oregon, Nixon asked days away. On March 12, the Oregon On March 12, he had told the press McCall to join him at his Portland ho Draft Rockefeller Committee gave that the he had "noticed a very rapid Nixon tel. Though Nixon was not known for press an update on the petition pickupdrive in the last two weeks." Never forgetting old hurts and undoubtedly to get Rockefeller to run in the theless,state: he believed that Nixon and still remembered McCall's insult the more than 33,000 signatures had Rockefeller been were "about neck and previous year at the Waldorf Astoria, collected. With a triumph in the neck."58 pri he was nevertheless hoping for Mc mary, his supporters felt that Rocke Call's endorsement. He also asked for feller would have "consolidated his Though Nixon expressed confidence McCall's help in swaying other liberal winning image" and "be unstoppable in his chances for nomination, he was governors in his favor. In an effort to

Spring 2014 77

This content downloaded from 128.95.104.109 on Fri, 23 Oct 2020 04:22:59 UTC All use subject to https://about.jstor.org/terms ing on the governor; he had until Fri day, just five days away, to decide whether to sign the affidavit withdraw ing his name. In a statement illustrat ing Rockefeller's indecisiveness, his press secretary said that an announce ment regarding the governor's plans "would be made Wednesday, Thursday or Friday."68

On Monday, March 18, Rockefeller told the nation that on March 21, the last day before the affidavit deadline, he would declare his candidacy for the presidency and launch his formal cam paign in Oregon.69 But when that day arrived, in a completely unexpected about-face, Rockefeller submitted his withdrawal application. Recent polls showing him losing to Nixon had been the deciding factor,7" though his sim ple reluctance to run again likely also played a part. This photo photo of ofRichard Richard Nixon Nixon at Oregon at Oregon State University State University was taken during was taken his presidential during his presidential campaign, but but he hadhe hadalso visitedalso visited Oregon Oregon several timesseveral during times the duringprimary theto ensure primary that to ensure Rockefeller's that Oregon supporters were Rockefeller did did not not again again win thewin state. the (Beaverstate. Yearbook(Beaver PhotographicYearbook Photographic Collection [P 003], Collection [P 003], devastated. McCall had just composed Special Collections Collections and andArchives Archives Research Research Center, OregonCenter, State Oregon University State Libraries) University Libraries) a press release welcoming Rockefeller to Oregon, but when he heard the news win the governor's support, Nixon that they had requested a few days ear of the withdrawal, he "tore it up."71 even dangled the position of secretary lier, asking him to postpone his deci McCall, the Republican leader who of the interior before McCall.61 McCall sion about withdrawing from Ore had supported a 1968 Rockefeller can said later that during their meeting the gon's primary until they could "brief didacy in Oregon for the longest time, candidate had displayed the "most im him on their efforts."64 Rockefeller's expressed his disappointment to the pressive array of knowledge I have ever meeting with this group was what the press: "I had hoped Governor Rocke heard from one man" about both do journalist R. W. Apple, Jr., called "a feller would have made himself avail mestic and international politics and first hint of encouragement to his able to lead the country through this that his had been "a virtuoso perfor supporters in Oregon."65 The working time of crisis."72 Apparently Rocke mance."62 Yet Nixon did not win Mc breakfast meeting lasted three hours, feller had intended to call McCall be Call over. At the news conference they and each of the 15 attendees made an fore speaking to the press, but, stated held after the meeting, McCall told reindividual statement urging Rocke the Oregon governor, "the calls were porters that he would now place Nixon feller to run in Oregon. McCall could inexplicably cancelled. I was very sur at number two on his own list of pref not attend the meeting but was the prised and extremely disappointed."73 erences. McCall said in his autobiogra behind-the-scenes leader of the group McCall believed that Rockefeller's phy that "Nixon's face fell a little bit" andat sent a message to Rockefeller tell withdrawal had been "an enormous this news. This was the second time ing him that Oregon was his "last train" blunder"; he was certain that "Rocke McCall had insulted Nixon in front of and that it would "soon depart."66 The feller would have defeated Nixon in the media. The former governor later Oregon delegation brought the peti Oregon."74 joked that before their conversation tion urging him to run, now with Nixon had been "number 15," so he 50,000 signatures. They also showed Trying to salvage something out of the had "really made some headway!"63 Rockefeller a new Oregon poll showing surprise withdrawal announcement, that he had a small lead in the state. some supporters thought Rockefeller On March 17, Rockefeller met with 15 Rockefeller was impressed, yet that day would still "accept a draft at the con of his Oregon supporters at his Man he ended up making "no commit vention." But William Moshofsky, vice hattan apartment. This was a meeting ment."67 However, pressure was mount president of the Oregon Draft Rocke -

78 ^Pacific 'Northwest Quarterly

This content downloaded from 128.95.104.109 on Fri, 23 Oct 2020 04:22:59 UTC All use subject to https://about.jstor.org/terms feller Committee, stated that the group weeks after the assassination of Dr. gan to tamp down expectations. Per might just "fold up the tents and disap Martin Luther King, Jr., and about hapsa the Rockefeller forces indeed were pear." Other former Rockefeller sup month after President Johnson's an doing better. Perhaps the New York porters turned to Nixon.75 nouncement that he would not seek governor actually would defeat Nixon reelection, Rockefeller declared that he for a second time in Oregon, although was back in the race. He explained that that seemed highly unlikely. Nixon no Nixon's Rockefeller's campaign withdrawal. was elated Appling about he had reconsidered because he wanted longer anticipated receiving the 70 to triumphantly announced, "Richard to help heal the nation. Because his 80 percent of the vote he had received Nixon is now the Republican nomi name was not on the ballot, his only in Wisconsin and Nebraska, and his nee." Reagan's campaign, however, remaining option in Oregon was to new lowered goal was now "anything noted that "if Rockefeller had stayed start a new write-in campaign.82 Some above the combined total for Reagan on the Oregon ballot," Nixon might 200,000 Oregon Republicans soon re and Rockefeller."89 Of course, if he did have been crippled seriously.76 A ceived mailings urging them to write better than this, he could claim that he month later, in April, Rockefeller re Rockefeller's name on the May 28 bal had won over new support. Indeed, the flected that he and Nixon would have lot. But by this point, the Rockefeller Nixon forces made "deliberately pessi only "destroyed" each other if he had supporters were up against what the mistic" vote estimates of 33 percent, entered the primary. "If I had just Oregonian described as the "well orga claiming that a vote of 40 percent talked issues in Oregon, they would get nized and well financed efforts" of would be "exceptionally strong," so lost in a discussion of personalities. If I Nixon and could spend only "one-fifth that any higher percentage would be had wanted to win, I would have to go or one-sixth" as much.83 Nevertheless, seen as a Nixon landslide.90 after him the way I went after Barry Nixon was perhaps a little concerned Goldwater," and then Oregon would when Rockefeller announced that he have "knocked both of us out of the was back in the race. Nixon increased On May again 22, on LindsayRockefeller's visited behalf, Oregon a race and for what purpose?"77 his exposure and pace in Oregon, try 24-hour whirlwind tour culminating ing to persuade Oregon voters that this in a statewide telecast sponsored by the As a result of Rockefeller's withdrawal, time it was he, not Rockefeller, who Oregon Rockefeller for President orga Nixon told the media, he would reduce cared enough about Oregon to cam nization.91 His visit resulted in yet an his campaigning in Oregon.78 The New paign there in 1968.84 other strange twist in the Oregon Re York Times journalist Robert B. Sem publican primary. As it did during his ple, Jr., opined that Nixon would now Nixon's tactics were working. Rocke visit to Oregon in February, the Ore win the Republican nomination un feller did not visit Oregon, and thus gon press again tried to draw him out less he committed a "catastrophic ver Nixon filled the political vacuum. In about his interest in seeking the Re bal or strategic blunder."79 By mid mid-May, Nixon traveled across the publican presidential nomination in April, Appling was predicting a huge state, visiting its small towns, receiv 1968. During his visit, the Oregonian victory for Nixon, yet there was still ing "hearty and repeat applause in ran an editorial asking, "Why don't strong support for Rockefeller as well crowded auditoriums at McMinnville, you speak for yourself, John?"92 When as Reagan, and "talk of a stop-Nixon Medford, Pendleton and Hillsboro."85 asked at an early morning news con drive" was on the rise.80 And so, despite Newsweek reported that the crowds ference whether voters should write in his earlier decision to reduce his cam greeting him were "strong and their re his name instead of Rockefeller's, Lind paigning in Oregon, Nixon had to plan sponse enthusiastic."86 In Pendleton, say answered, "I'm not a candidate. another swing through the state. Ore he "drew cheers" when attacking the Writing in my name would be an exer gon had emerged, notes the journalist student takeover of Columbia Univer cise of no useful purpose. I hope that Jules Witcover, as "the last obstacle in sity in , though Time felt doesn't happen." But a group of stu Nixon's way to the nomination. If he Nixon's comments were "reminiscent dents in attendance had a surprise for were to be stopped, it had to be there, of the McCarthy years."87 By this point Lindsay: they "turned around their not at the convention." For in Oregon, Nixon had made three campaign trips blue and white 'Rockefeller for Presi says Witcover, "anything could hap to Oregon. Yet despite his best efforts— dent'" signs to reveal "scrawled 'Write pen," as proven in 1964 when Rocke "no other primary state has received In Lindsay' signs."93 feller beat Goldwater and Nixon.81 this much Nixon attention," reported —talk persisted of The next day, just five days before the And, indeed, anything did happen. a "Rockefeller-Reagan combination to primary, the Lindsay for President About a month after his withdrawal, stop Nixon."88 Committee was announced. Among its Rockefeller, incredibly, changed his members was Robert Ridgley, the for mind yet again. On April 30, just a few Because of this talk, Nixon himself be mer head of the Rockefeller write-in

Spring 2014 79

This content downloaded from 128.95.104.109 on Fri, 23 Oct 2020 04:22:59 UTC All use subject to https://about.jstor.org/terms campaign.94 The quickly assembled porters" at the Oregon Technical Insti 65 percent of the vote; he also received group ran advertisements in the Ore tute. He mentioned Reagan and Rock 2,974 Democratic write-in votes. Rock gonian and Oregon Journal, noting that efeller both refusing to campaign inefeller amassed 36,305 write-in votes, Rockefeller had made no appearances Oregon, saying, "These are not times 11.6 percent of the vote. He also re in Oregon in 1968 and had instead sent for absentee candidates." He lashed out ceived 2,841 write-in votes from Dem Lindsay there as his surrogate. Playing at Rockefeller for sending John Lind ocrats.107 Although the governor's aides on Rockefeller's 1964 Oregon cam say into Oregon as his surrogate; the "conceded that his Oregon showing paign slogan, the advertisements stated, issues, Nixon stated, were too serious was disappointing," one stated, hope "He cared enough to send Mayor John "to send out proxies." Nixon's team fully, "We'll just have to make up the Lindsay, so write in Lindsay May 28."95 also admitted to the press that they had ground." Rockefeller himself was de There was not, however, widespread encouraged the last-minute write-in scribed as "not disheartened by his support for the Lindsay write-in effort. vote for Lindsay, hoping it "would re weak showing" in Oregon, saying "one The journalist Mike Wallace, in Ore duce the number of write-ins for Gov. swallow doesn't make a summer."108 gon to cover the primary, asked a local Rockefeller."102 Appling took a jab at Rockefeller's team planned to continue audience, "How many people will write Rockefeller and his 1964 slogan, sug to hunt for delegates in preparation for in John Lindsay, because he cared gesting that anyone wanting to vote for the national convention. The Orego enough to come?" Few raised their Rockefeller should instead write in nian believed that this strategy might hands.96 The group received just one Lindsay because "he cares enough towork. Should Nixon not get the nomi »103 contribution over $50, and that was for come. nation on the first ballot in Miami $992.97 Beach, the Oregon delegation would turn "overwhelmingly to Rockefeller," Rockefeller's write-in effort was not Nixon, absentee no longer Rockefeller, threatened ended hisby an the paper reported, because he was going well either; indeed, Wallace de 1968 Oregon primary campaign with a "the obvious second choice of most of scribed the Rockefeller write-in ef 90-minute statewide telethon in Port the eighteen Oregon delegates."109 fort as making "spectacularly slow land the evening of May 26. Some progress."98 Rockefeller's supporters, 31,000 supporters phoned in, and this The last-minute write-in campaign including the groups Oregon Draft huge response, according to Witcover, for Lindsay was even less successful Rockefeller Committee, Northwest "convincedRe Nixon he would do even than Rockefeller's. Lindsay received publicans for Rockefeller, Rockefeller better in Oregon than he had hoped."104 509 write-in votes, all for vice presi in '68, and Oregon Write-In Rocke After his losses in 1960 to John F. Ken dent. An editorial in the liberal New feller Committee, believed that they nedy in the presidential election, inYork Times lambasted the Republicans would get only 10 percent of the vote. 1962 to Pat Brown in the California for giving Nixon the victory in Oregon, According to an NBC poll released gubernatorialon election, and in 1964 toand thus probably the victory at the May 23, they were doing a little better Rockefeller in the Oregon Republican convention, stating that if Rockefeller than that: the poll showed Nixon earn primary, he was well on his way to atwere nominated instead, he would win ing 55 percent of the vote, Reagan, last 20 securing the Republican presiden not only the states that Nixon would percent, and Rockefeller, 16 percent. tialIt nomination, and Oregon was gobut also the large industrial states.110 provided no numbers for Lindsay.99 ing to be his biggest win before the The Oregonian editors, meanwhile, felt convention. Nixon stayed in Portland that Nixon's victory "far exceeded the Nixon felt he could now relax some to await the results.105 most optimistic hopes" of his support what. His campaign had received an ers, that his loser image had been "left infusion of former Rockefeller cam Just before the telethon began, Nixon's far behind," and that Nixon "may well paign workers who had finally decided campaign released a letter that it had have guaranteed his nomination."111 to switch horses, certain that Rocke received from McCall. The governor feller's write-in campaign would not told Nixon that he would "work and Richard Nixon was "jubilant."112 At an win him the primary.100 Now cam fight" for whoever won the primary. "enthusiastic but controlled reception paigning "at a leisurely pace," Nixon He had seen the writing on the wall in the steamy Crystal Room of the made his fifth trip to Oregon a couple and understood that his dream of Benson Hotel," Nixon beamed, declar days before the primary.101 helping a liberal Republican win theing, "The voters of Oregon have spo Oregon primary on the road to the ken na and I like the sound of their In Klamath Falls, with his wife, daugh tional nomination was over.106 voices."113 The liberals in the Republi ter Julie, and David Eisenhower, he can Party had failed in their attempts gave his last Oregon primary campaign When the ballots were counted on toMay derail his campaign. In addition, speech, before 2,000 "enthusiastic sup 28, Nixon's final vote tally was 203,037, Nixon's win in Oregon had marked

80 Tacific 'Northwest Quarterly

This content downloaded from 128.95.104.109 on Fri, 23 Oct 2020 04:22:59 UTC All use subject to https://about.jstor.org/terms him as a winner and negated his loss to mary where Rockefeller had the whosegreat key Republicans were liberal, Rockefeller in 1964. est possibility of derailing, or at and least the support of those key Republi slowing, Nixon's drive to the nomina cans, had had powerful reasons for en tion. Rockefeller, with his prior victory tering Oregon's primary in 1968. Had That visited summer, Oregon, Rockefeller still in search belatedly of in Oregon in 1964, a campaign apparahe won in Oregon in 1968, the image delegates, not giving up hope of an tus that would have been relatively of Nixon as a loser would have arisen upset at the national convention. On easy to resurrect, liberal credentials again. It was the last, best chance for a July 3, he visited the small city of Al that would have gone far in a liberalstate Republican to stop, or at least bany, participating in its annual Tim ber Carnival. He chopped wood, "rode astride a Douglas fir log," and dressed up as a woodpecker.114 The Oregonian took a photo of Rockefeller "showing off his prowess with an ax," while Mc Call stood by watching, wearing a plaid logger's shirt. McCall, who would be a delegate at the Republican national convention, told reporters that al though he had to support Nixon on the first ballot because he had won the Oregon primary, "the best candidate that either party could possibly have" was Rockefeller.115 McCall's hero had finally come to Oregon. What was ironic is that as they felled trees, chopped wood, and discussed Nixon, what was really being felled was them selves: giants of liberal Republicanism.

Once Nixon had won Oregon, the rest of the 1968 primaries—aside from California's, which was won by Rea gan—were his, and the road to the nomination seemed free. As Allman notes, in Miami Beach the "Oregon Re publicans might have preferred Rock efeller, but they were legally bound to Nixon."116 However, they were obli gated to Nixon only for that first ballot and eagerly hoped for a chance to vote for Rockefeller on the second, as did liberal delegates from other states. They did not get that chance: Nixon won on the first ballot, though by a scant 25 votes, of 1,333 cast.

That slim margin suggests that Rocke feller may have had a chance to win the Republican nomination, had there been a second ballot. So perhaps The Mc Oregon governor Tom McCall (far left) looks on as the New York governor and presidential candidate chops wood at an Oregon carnival. By this time, Call's assessment that Rockfeller's Rockefeller's last-minute Oregon primary write-in campaign had failed. But Rockefeller withdrawal in March from the Oregon was still campaigning for the Republican nomination, hoping that his delegates and primary was an enormous blunder those was of Reagan would prevent Nixon from winning on the first ballot at the national correct. Oregon had been the one convention. pri (Courtesy of Oregonian/OregonLive.com)

Spring 2014 81

This content downloaded from 128.95.104.109 on Fri, 23 Oct 2020 04:22:59 UTC All use subject to https://about.jstor.org/terms slow, the Nixon steamroller. Unlike Nelson Rockefeller, John Lind rights were not Republicans, but say switched parties just three years southernaf Democrats. Her discussion Yet one great obstacle—his party's ter the 1968 convention as a result of of 1968 consists of only a few sen continued movement toward conser the rise of conservatism within the tences, and she does not mention the vatism—might have prevented Rock party. Lindsay's biographer, Vincent spring primaries or make any observa efeller from winning on that second Cannato, presents Lindsay's overall tions about the shrinking number of ballot. He had failed to support Gold history as the best symbol of the deliberal Republicans at that time.124 water in 1964, which had created cline of not just Republican liberalism, long-lasting bitterness among conser but also American liberalism.121 Yet In Rule and Ruin, the historian Geof vative party stalwarts, and many Re Cannato does not mention Lindsay's frey Kabaservice traces the takeover publicans did not like his big-govern involvement in Rockefeller's campaign by conservative forces of the Republi ment approach to problems. Many of in 1968 nor the Lindsay write-in cam can Party machinery by 1964 and the the delegates would have supported paign in Oregon, so perhaps he does subsequent attempts by liberals in the the conservative Ronald Reagan, whose not see these events as an important mid to late 1960s to wrest control star was on the rise, on that second part of the story. For Lindsay, that year back. Though Kabaservice presents a ballot.117 might have been the high point of hisbiased view, describing the Republi popularity within the party. After the cans' path as "leadfing] continuously national convention, Lindsay slowly downward" and focusing on Republi After Rockefeller the 1968 found Republican himself increas primary, loosened his bonds with the Republi cans who switched parties to become ingly at odds with his party on major can Party. Cannato describes Lindsay's Democrats (ignoring the Democrats issues, such as agricultural and foreign realization of the shift toward conser who also switched parties at this time), policy. When Reagan and Nixon pub vatism in the party, symbolized in such he agrees that 1968 was the GOP liber licly ate grapes to protest Cesar Chavez's episodes as the New York Teenage Re als' "last and best chance" to elect one boycott, and as Rockefeller found him publicans singing a song that mocked of their own to the presidency.125 He self among a smaller and smaller num him and idolized Reagan at one of sees Romney, not Rockefeller, however, ber of Republicans who did not want an their meetings.122 In 1969, he lost the as the liberal candidate who might aggressive policy to win the Vietnam Republican mayoralty primary but have been able to win that election. But War, he saw the writing on the wall. The won reelection as an independent. He as is clear from the story of Rockefell historian Todd Holmes describes as endorsed not Rockefeller but the Dem er's campaign, liberal Republicans did "ever-shrinking" the middle ground ocratic candidate in the 1970 New York not give up after Romney withdrew. that Rockefeller tried to hold in the facegubernatorial election. In 1971, he Indeed, liberal Republicans were ec of the conservative ascendancy within completely severed his ties by switch static when Romney withdrew, believ the Republican Party.118 ing to the Democratic Party. In 1972, ing that it would ensure Rockefeller's he ran for president, but was derailed entrance into the race.126 Kabaservice Though Rockefeller's biographer, byJo a poor showing in the Florida pri surprisingly devotes just one para seph E. Persico, only briefly touches mary. When explaining why he chose graph to Rockefeller's 1968 campaign upon the 1968 campaign, he does proto change parties, Lindsay cited the and does not mention how his delay in vide some insight into Rockefeller's failure of the prior two decades of pro entering Oregon's primary affected Re thoughts on the dwindling role of gressive lib Republicanism.123 publican liberals' chances of electing erals within his party during this time. one of their own.127 As noted, had When asked after the convention whyFew scholars have studied the 1968 Re Rockefeller won the Oregon primary, he had failed in his bid for the nomina publican primaries, much less the Or he might have forced a second ballot at tion, Rockefeller replied, "Have you egon primary and what it meant for the national convention and derailed ever been to a Republican conven liberalism within the party. Two of the Nixon's campaign. tion?"119 Later, when a journalist asked most notable studies of the rise of con Rockefeller why he had never been servatism within the Republican Party But the chance for Oregon Republi elected president, his innermost feel pay little attention to this election. cans and their liberal candidates to ings most likely escaped: he blurted Tanya Melich, a Rockefeller staffer in change the nation's history in 1968 out, "I was in the wrong Party."120 Nev 1968 but later a convert to the Demo had passed. The 1968 Oregon Repub ertheless, Rockefeller stayed with the cratic Party, in the mid-1990s penned a lican primary, mostly neglected by party until his death, even serving as now classic attack upon her former historians, serves as a microcosm of Gerald Ford's vice president in the party for its supposed exclusion of the national decline of liberal Repub mid-1970s. He remained one of the blacks and women, failing to acknowl licans. Though Rockefeller would be last giants of liberal Republicanism. edge that most opponents of civil chosen by President Ford as his vice

82 Vacific 'Northwest Quarterly

This content downloaded from 128.95.104.109 on Fri, 23 Oct 2020 04:22:59 UTC All use subject to https://about.jstor.org/terms president, and politicians such as Hat evelt's Great White Fleet and the ways field and McCall would continue to that Robert R Kennedy helped the be influential for decades, few others Nazi-hunter Simon Wiesenthal, Kopel would survive the changes in the poson has written about Governor Ron litical landscape. ald Reagan and Mexican American voters. Kopelson now is concentrating Gene Kopelson is president of the on Reagan's first presidential cam New England chapter of the Theodore paign, in 1968. His related research, Roosevelt Association, a member of on Eisenhower and Reagan, will be the Boston chapter of the Churchill featured at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Centre, and a Holocaust educator. InPresidential Library and Museum in addition to exploring Theodore Roos 2015.

1. For examples of historians paying scant 8. Warren Weaver, Jr., "GOP Governors Split 24. Donald Janson, "Rockefeller Race Is Urged or no attention to the 1968 Oregon on Endorsement Plan for '68 Candidate," by Laird," NYT, Jan. 10, 1968, p. 22; Republican primary, see Joseph M. New York Times (hereafter cited as NYT), James E Clarity, "Governor Weighs Allman,"The 1968 Elections in Oregon," April 20, 1967, p. 24. Oregon Candidacy," NYT, Fan. 12, 1968, Western Political Quarterly, Vol. 22 9. Tom McCall, Tom McCall, Maverick: An p. 1. (1969), 517-25; Lewis L. Gould, 1968: Autobiography (Portland, Oreg., 1977), 95. 25. Rowland Evans and Robert Novak, The Election That Changed America 10. White, 59. "Monte Advises Rocky to Stay Out of (Chicago, 1993); and Thurston Clarke, 11. Warren Weaver, Jr., "Nixon Aide Doubts Oregon," Oregotiian, Jan. 9, 1968, p. 18. "The Last Good Campaign," Vanity Fair, Romney's Ability," NYT, Sept. 8, 1967, p. 1. 26. Ibid. June 2008, available online at http://www. 12. McCall, 96. 27. Waith, 220-21. vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/06/ 13. Hughes, 29 (1st qtn.); McCall, 96 (last 28. Warren Weaver, Jr., "Rockefeller's Aides rfk_excerpt200806 (accessed Feb. 5, 2015). qtn.). Plan Write-In Drive in Oregon Primary," 2. Allman, 517. 14. Lawrence E. Davies, "Stumping Called NYT, Jan. 31, 1968, pi. 3. Brent Waith, Fire at Eden's Gate: Tom Lesson of Oregon," NYT, May, 17, 1964, p. 29. Ibid. McCall and the Oregon Story (Portland, 73. 30. Lawrence E. Davies, "Rockefeller Backers Oreg., 1994), 218. 15. Waith, 218. in Oregon Open Campaign for Write-ins," 4. Ibid. 16. Ibid. (1st qtn.); "McCall Defends N.Y. NYT, May 23,1968, p. 24. 5. Thurston Clarke, The Last Campaign: Statements," Bend Bulletin, Dec. 21,1967, 31. For more on the sanitation strike, see Robert F. Kennedy and 82 Days That p. 8 (last qtn.). Emanuel Perlmutter, "Shots Are Fired in Inspired America (New York, 2008), 17.228. McCall, 96. Refuse Strike," NYT, Feb. 5,1968, p. 1; and 6. Theodore H. White, The Making of 18.the Ibid. Damon Stetson, "Garbage Strike Is Ended President, 1968 (New York, 1969), 56. 19. Waith, 218. on Rockefeller's Terms," NYT, 7. Harold Hughes, "Rumors Persist That 20. McCall, 96. Feb. 11, 1968, p. 1. Travis Cross Will Bolt Romney Camp, 21. Waith, 218. 32. Richard Reeves, "Lindsay, in West, Attacks Join Reagan," Portland Oregonian, Dec. 22. McCall,26, 93. Johnson," NYT, Feb. 23,1968, p. 1. 1967, p. 29. 23. Waith, 221. 33. Ibid.

Spring 2014 83

This content downloaded from 128.95.104.109 on Fri, 23 Oct 2020 04:22:59 UTC All use subject to https://about.jstor.org/terms 34. Richard Reeves, "Lindsay Has National p. 1. Ends Drive in Oregon," NYT, May 27, Hopes," NYT, Oct. 15, 1967, p. 197; U.S. 72. Ibid. 1968, p. 26. News and World Report, Sept. 18, 1967, p. 73. McCall, 102. 107. Oregon Office of the Secretary of 52. 74. Hughes, "Rocky's Oregon Supporters," 1 State, Official Abstract of Votes: Primary 35. Clayton Knowles, "Javits Cautions on (1st qtn.); McCall, 103 (last qtn.). Election 1968 (Salem, Oreg., 1968); Reagan Choice," NYT, July 22, 1968, p. 30. 75. Hughes, "Rocky's Oregon Supporters," 1. idem, Summary Report of Campaign 36. White, 35. 76. Ibid. Contributions and Expenditures: 1968 37. Harold Hughes, "Romney Withdrawal, 77. "'Look' Quotes Rockefeller on a Nixon Primary Election (Salem, Oreg., 1968). Foreshadowed on Oregon Trip, Shocks Fight in Oregon," NYT, April 30, 1968, p.108. R. W. Apple, Jr., "Rockefeller Spurs Bid Backers," Oregonian, Feb. 28, 1968, p. 33. 27. in West after Weak Showing in Oregon," 38. McCall, 97. 78. Clayton Knowles, "Confident Nixon NYT, May 30, 1968, p. 14. 39. Hughes, "Romney Withdrawal," 33. Declines to Say He Has Won GOP 109. "Rockefeller Believed Oregon GOP 40. Warren Weaver, Jr., "Rockefeller Bloc Nomination," NYT, March 22, 1968, p. 33. Delegation Favorite If Nixon Falters," Loses Early Bid in GOP Canvass," NYT, 79. Robert B. Semple, Jr., "Nixon Has the Oregonian, June 28, 1968, p. 35. March 1,1968, p. 1. Field to Himself—Almost," NYT, 110. "The GOP after Oregon," NYT, May 31, 41. Ibid. March 24, 1968, p. El. 1968, p. 28. 42. Tom Wicker, "Impact of Romney Move," 80. Lawrence E. Davies, "Drive in Oregon to 111. "Oregon Wants McCarthy, Nixon," NYT, Feb. 29,1968, p. 22. Stop Nixon Attributed to Reagan Backers," Oregonian, May 29, 1968, p. 26. 43. Weaver, "Rockefeller Bloc Loses," 1. NYT, April 14, 1968, p. 49. 112. Lawrence E. Davies, "Nixon Is a Strong 44. Ibid. 81. Witcover, 290. Winner," NYT, May 29, 1968, p. 1. 45. Hughes, "Romney Withdrawal," 33. 82. Ibid., 291. 113. "Nixon Likes Sound of Voices Heard in 46. McCall, 97. 83. "Mail Effort Backs Rocky," Oregonian, Oregon Primary Vote," Oregonian, 47. Hughes, "Romney Withdrawal," 33. May 19,1968, p. 120. May 29, 1968, p. IB. 48. Ibid. 84. Witcover, 291, 296. 114. James Goode, telephone interview by 49. Ibid. 85. Donald Janson, "Nixon Still in Front," author, July 20, 2012. 50. Richard Witkin, "Rockefeller Open to NYT, May 19,1968, p. E3. 115. Jeff Mapes, "The Photo Vault: Rocky Oregon Race," NYT, March 8, 1968, p. 1. 86. Newsweek, May 27, 1968, p. 33. Plays Oregon Lumberjack," Dec. 30, 2011, 51. Waith, 221. 87. Ibid. (1st qtn.); Time, May 24, 1968, p. 28. OregonLive, http://www.oregonlive.com/ 52. Lawrence E. Davies, "Two New Yorkers on88. lanson, "Nixon Still in Front," p. E3. mapes/index.ssf/2011/12/the_photo_ Oregon Ballot," NYT, March 12, 1968, p. 89. Ibid. vault_rocky_plays_or.html (accessed 23. 90. Robert B. Semple, Jr., "Nixon Criticizes Oct. 29,2014). 53. Ibid. Absentee' Rivals," NYT, May 26, 1968, p. 116. Allman, 520. 54. Tom Wicker, "Effects of Primary," NYT, 44. 117. Reagan's ascendance on the conservative March 13,1968, p. 1. 91. "Lindsay Lists Appearances," NYT, political stage in 1968, both in Oregon 55. James J. Kilpatrick, "Rockefeller Magic— May 23, 1968, p. 24. and nationally, is explored by this author In Oregon Only?" Times, March 18,92. Editorial, Oregonian, May 24,1968, in "Reagan's 1968 Dress Rehearsal: How 1968, p. 12. quoted in Richard Reeves, "Lindsay on Reagan Became a World Statesman 56. Jules Witcover, The Resurrection of Richard Coast for Rockefeller," NYT, May 25, 1968, and Presidential Contender during His Nixon (New York, 1970), 295. p. 12. Forgotten First Presidential Campaign," 57. Lawrence E. Davies, "Nixon Accuses 93. Tom Wicker, "In the Nation," NYT, manuscript (submitted for publication). Administration of Causing Stampede for May 26, 1968, p. E19. 118. Todd Holmes, "The Ever-Shrinking Gold," NYT, March 16, 1968, p. 15. 94. Francis Murphy, "Behind the Mike," Middle Ground: Nelson Rockefeller in 58. Davies, "Two New Yorkers," 23. Oregonian, May 23,1968, sec. 2, p. 19; the Face of Reaganism" (research report, 59. William F. Buckley, Jr., The Reagan I Knew Reeves, "Lindsay on Coast," 12. Rockefeller Archive Center, Sleepy Hollow, (New York, 2008), 41. 95. "Lindsay Write-in Drive Begun for N.Y.,2011). 60. Witcover, 264. Oregon Vote," NYT, May 27,1968, p. 27. 119. Joseph E. Persico, The Imperial Rockefeller: 61. McCall, 104. 96. Murphy, sec. 2, p. 19. A Biography of Nelson A. Rockefeller (New 62. Ibid., 103. 97. Reeves, "Lindsay on Coast," 12. York, 1982), 80. 63. Ibid., 104. 98. Murphy, sec. 2, p. 19. 120. Ibid., 81. 64. R. W. Apple, Jr., "Rockefeller Sets Parley 99. Davies, "Rockefeller Backers in Oregon," 121. Vincent J. Cannato, The Ungovernable on Oregon," NYT, March 12,1968, p. 22. 24. City: John Lindsay and His Struggle to Save 65. Ibid. 100. Janson, "Nixon Still in Front," p. E3. New York (New York, 2002). 66. McCall, 102. 101. Walter R. Mears, "Oregon Vote Nears," 122. Ibid., 499-500. 67. Apple, 1. Seattle Times, May 26, 1968, p. 6 (qtn.); 123. Ibid., 500. 68. Ibid. Witcover, 296. 124. Tanya Melich, The Republican War against 69. Richard Reeves, "Governor to Run," NYT, 102. Harold Hughes, "Nixon Delivers Blast at Women: An Insider's Report from behind March 19, 1968, p. 1. Absent Candidates," Oregonian, May 26, the Lines (New York, 1996). 70. Lewis Chester, Godfrey Hodgson, and 1968, p. 2. 125. Geoffrey Kabaservice, Rule and Ruin: Bruce Page, An American Melodrama: The 103. Mears, 8. The Downfall of Moderation and the Presidential Campaign of 1968 (New York, 104. Witcover, 296. Destruction of the Republican Party, from 1969), 221. 105. Lyle Burt, "Political Weather Good, Says Eisenhower to the Tea Party (New York, 71. Harold Hughes, "Rocky's Oregon Nixon in Rain," Seattle Times, May 27, 2012), 223. Supporters Express 'Shock,' 'Dismay' after 1968, p. 57. 126. Ibid., 222. Withdrawal," Oregonian, March 22, 1968, 106. Robert B. Semple, Jr., "Nixon Telethon 127. Ibid., 236.

84 'Pacific 'Northwest Quarterly

This content downloaded from 128.95.104.109 on Fri, 23 Oct 2020 04:22:59 UTC All use subject to https://about.jstor.org/terms