GOVERNOR MATTHEW E. WELSH - AUTOGRAPH - HFSID 71549

MATTHEW E. WELSH
The 41st Governor of Indiana, known for his tax increases and 1964 Presidential campaign, signed this card in black ink
Signature: “Matthew MW Welsh / Governor of Indiana / 1961-1965”. Matthew E. Welsh (1912-1995) was an Indiana Governor (1961-1965) who remained popular within the leaders of the Democratic Party in Indiana despite his universal unpopularity throughout the state due to his legislation. He served in the Indiana House of Representatives from 1940-1942, resigning to enlist in the United States Navy. After returning from service, he stayed out of politics until 1952, when he was elected to the Indiana State Senate. He served there until 1960, when he was elected to be the 41st Governor of Indiana. As Governor, he decreased government spending, increased taxes, and passed landmark civil rights legislation. His introduction of the first state sales tax in Indiana doomed his reelection chances. In a unique Presidential election campaign, Welsh chose to run for President in the Democratic primary of 1964 solely so that George Wallace, a Southern Democrat who supported segregation, would not run unopposed. Welsh won his home state, helping to block Wallace nationally from having a claim as the Democratic candidate in the general election. Other local state politicians who blocked Wallace include John W. Reynolds (Wisconsin) and Albert S. Porter (Ohio). Pencil notations on verso in unknown hand. Otherwise, fine condition.