PRESIDENT HERBERT HOOVER - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 09/12/1930 - HFSID 3979

HERBERT HOOVER
Shortly before the mid-term elections, President Hoover signs typed congratulations to Joseph Simpson of York Harbor, Maine for a "most successful and helpful campaign."
Typed Letter Signed: "Herbert Hoover" as 31st U.S. President, 1 page, 7x9. The White House, Washington, 1930 September 12. To Joseph W. Simpson, York Harbor, Maine. In full: "This is just by way of congratulation and appreciation of the most successful and helpful campaign in Maine. The demonstration made by the people of Maine has been reflected over the whole country and is most helpful to the party. I wish to compliment you on the whole conduct of it." It's unclear what office Joseph W. Simpson was seeking, or what race he was organizing. The Political Graveyard website lists a Joseph W. Simpson of Maine as a Republican National Convention alternate (1936), but not as the holder of any office. Maine had voted Republican in every presidential election since the party was organized in 1856 except in 1912 when Taft and Roosevelt split the Republican votes. Despite the stock market crash on October 29, 1929 and a deepening of the Great Depression, pro-Hoover Republicans had won nomination in September to face Democrats in November. Hoover was optimistic but on November 4, 1930, eight weeks after this letter, the Republicans lost eight seats in the Senate, barely holding on to a 48-47 lead with one minor party Senator. For the first time since 1916, the Democrats took control of the House, 220-214 (there was one minor party Representative). Very light stains in lower blank margin. Shaded at edges. Lightly creased. Overall, fine condition.