EVERETT M. DIRKSEN - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 09/28/1967 - HFSID 320011

EVERETT M. DIRKSEN
Not quite closing the door on a favorite-son candidacy for himself, Dirksen observes: "I believe it is still too early to concern ourselves with the identity of our Presidential candidate in 1968."
Typed Letter signed: "Everett M. Dirksen" as Minority Leader, 1 page, 8x10½. No place (but presumably Washington, D. C.), 1967 September 28. On his personal Senate letterhead to C. E. Sandstrom, Mount Morris, Illinois. In full: "Thank you for your letter of recent date and for giving me the benefit of your views and observations. I appreciate your encouraging words, however, I have made it quite clear that I entertain no personal ambitions or desire with regard to the favorite-son role, and I am sure the Illinois delegation will decide this question in due time. I believe it is still too early to concern ourselves with the identity of our Presidential candidate in 1968. Our first concern must be the creation of a record in the Congress over the next year, which our candidate, whoever he may be, can take to the country with pride and confidence. In any event, we have a wealth of highly qualified men in our party, and I am sure the delegates to the convention in 1968 will make a wise selection. Sincerely". Everett McKinley Dirksen (1896-1969) was U.S. Representative (1933-1949) and U.S. Senator (1951 until his death in 1969) from Illinois. He was the Republican Whip from 1957-1959 and Minority Leader from 1959-1969. As Minority Leader, Dirksen played a key role in the passage of the Voting Rights Act (1965) and the Fair Housing Act (1968). A fiscal conservative, he is also remembered for the quip, "A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon we're talking about real money!" Republicans had made significant gains in the 1966 Congressional elections - three new Senate seats and 47 House seats, capitalizing on unhappiness with the war in Vietnam, racial strife in many cities, and divisions in the Democratic Party. Although Democrats retained large majorities in both houses (64-36 in the Senate), Republicans had reason to be optimistic about their Presidential prospects in1968. When Dirksen wrote this letter, no clear favorite for the Republican nomination had emerged, although Richard Nixon would go on to win the nomination and (narrowly) the Presidency. At no point in his career did Everett Dirksen make a serious bid for the White House, although he did launch a token effort in 1944 (perhaps in hopes of securing a Vice Presidential nomination.) In this letter, while denying any ambitions, he doesn't quite rule out a "favorite son" candidacy from Illinois, a ploy which would have enhanced the State's bargaining position in the event of a closely divided nominating convention. By the time of the Convention, Nixon easily won the nomination on the first ballot. Normal mailing folds. Binding holes along left edge. Lightly toned. Pencil note (unknown hand) on verso. Otherwise, fine condition.