CHARLES M. MATHIAS JR. - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 12/02/1974 - HFSID 86919

CHARLES "MAC" MATHIAS
After surviving the Democratic landslide election of 1974, he signed this typed letter thanking a supporter.
Typed Letter signed: "Charles M'c. Mathias Jr" as US Senator, 1 page, 5x8. Washington, D.C. , 1974 December 2. On Congressional letterhead to Carson Hathaway, Silver Spring, Maryland. In full: "Your kind message of congratulations is very much appreciated. Just as there has never been a period in American history like the last two years, so there has never been a Congressional campaign like 1974. For everyone who had the faith and the loyalty to participate in any capacity a great deal of credit is due. The world 'thanks' is not long enough to convey all that I feel, but I want you to know how deeply grateful I am. Sincerely". A maverick Republican known for not voting a straight Party line, Charles McCurdy "Mac" Mathias, Jr. (1922-2010) represented Maryland in the U.S. House of Representatives (1961-1969) and U.S. Senate (1969-1987). He had previously served in the Maryland House of Delegates (1959-1960). A veteran of WWII and attorney, Mathias had also been Assistant Attorney General of Maryland (1953-1954) and City Attorney of Frederick, Maryland (1954-1959). Mathias is best known for his contribution to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, introducing legislation (along with Senator John W. Warner of Virginia) in 1979 to authorize a site of national parkland for the Memorial. Mathias, facing re-election to the Senate for the first time in a state with a heavy Democratic advantage in registration, also had to face the Watergate backlash that cost the Republicans 49 seats in the House. Furthermore, Mathias' opponent was Barbara Mikulski, who would later win election to the seat after Mathias retired. The Washington Post called the race "an intelligent discussion of state, national and foreign affairs by two smart, well-informed people." Mathias prevailed with 57% of the vote. Normal mailing fold. Fine condition.