Volume 10 , Issue 26

1960 Democratic Politics - McGill & Edmondson

Back in February, 1960, my Dad, Gene McGill, was having a "showdown" with Democrat Governor Howard Edmondson, when Gene was running for State Chairman of the Democrats against Pat Malloy, Tulsa. Malloy was Governor Edmondson's choice so he (the Democratic governor) would have control of the party.

Gov. Edmondson carried the fight against McGill (the present chairman back in 1960), while Malloy had been on the sidelines for the most part, in the showdown exchanges.

Maybe some of you might remember some of James Lange's political cartoon's where Lange drew carricatures of Edmondson and McGill in their heated showdown battles for control of the Democratic party in Oklahoma.

The political cartoon that comes to mind that sticks out in this NW Okie's mind is the one showing Gene with a ladder leaned against a two story house as he is about to elope with the Democratic Voters. I know Gov. Edmondson was in the cartoon somewhere, but can't remember what Edmonson was doing.

I have an autograph picture of that political cartoon, but it is packed up some place right now. I will dig it out after we get settled in our new residence.

MORE 1960 Politics In Oklahoma
In The Oklahoman, dated Feb., 20, 1960, page 1 and continued on page 2, the headlines read: "Today's D-Day In Edmondson, McGill Battle," written by Otis Sullivant.

In the article, McGill is quoted as saying, "The only thing I have to offer Oklahoma Democrats is a chance for them to control their own Party, from precincts on up," said McGill. It was this opportunity which brought record turnouts at precinct meetings last Friday. "I am convinced that is what will elect me to a full-term," added McGill.

The next day, Sunday, Feb. 21, 1960, page 119, the headlines read: "McGill Winner By a Landslide In Party Fight." In the article, McGill attributed his victory to precinct Democrats, and declared the common objective will be election of a president this year and the Malloy and McGill forces will unite and work together in the cause.

McGill was quoted as saying, "The real victory today belongs to Oklahoma's precinct Democrats. They have spoken out forcefuly for a return of their party to the grassroots. I wholeheartedly agree this is the best way to keep our party strong. All Oklahoma Democrts are my boss. This includes eually those who opposed me and those who supported me. I intend to reflect the majority opinion of state government. I know there is no better Democrat than Pat Malloy. I also realize Gov. Edmondson is one of the most important men in our party, due every possible consideration. We worked together promoting a highly successful Jefferson-Jackson Day dinner, while the contest for state chairman was under way. I am sure we can work together in the party on an even closer basis."

Meanwhile... Gov. Edmondson was at Ardmore with friends and stated, "We have no comment at this time," said Gov. Edmondson of the results.

In Tulsa, Malloy said he believes outcome of Democratic county conventions in no way reflects on the popularity of Edmondson or his reforms in the state. Malloy goes on to state, "There still isn't any way to divorce me from the Democratic party -- I've been in it too long. I'll continue to work for the Democratic party on the local, state and national levels as I have all the time."

Trouble Not New
It seems trouble for Gov. Edmondson started last summer when he announced he would initiate the reform program and include the measure to take spending of county funds from the county commissioners.

The article goes on to say, "His difficulty with the party was augmented when he failed to get the executive committee to name Malloy to succeed Loyd Benefield, state chairman, when Benefield resigned in September, 1959."

AND... the governor failed to contact members of the executive committee himself, and in a surprise action they named McGill state chairman to serve until the party reorganization in 1960.

The force of the opposition dates back to the Edmondson campaign for governor in 1958 with his fight on the "old guard" and the politicians. He had since added the opposition of county commissioners, a powerful force.
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