1969 Gubernatorial Elections
  • 1969 Gubernatorial Elections

    In 1969 two states chose their governors, both controlled by Democrats and both with Republicans leading in the polls.

    The election in Virginia attracted special interest after its completion due to an unprecedented event occurred. Throughout the campaign the Republican candidate A. Linwood Holton Jr. led the research, with the rest of the vote divided between Democrat William C. Battle and the candidate of the AIP George Lincoln Rockwell.

    As the election of 1965, the Nazi past of Rockwell was extensively used. Important members of the AIP have worked hard in Rockwell campaign with Wallace spending more time in Virginia than in Alabama.

    But what made this memorable election was a tragic event that occurred on 3 November 1969. On the eve of the election to George Lincoln Rockwell candidate was shot and killed leaving a rally. Wallace was in the same rally and suspicions were that he was the real target of the murderer.

    All newspapers of Virginia and the country stamped on its front page Rockwell assassination of news. And on election time, by devotion, protest or sadness, more than forty thousand voters marked the late Rockwell on the ballot, the equivalent of 4.5%.

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    Overall Republicans took two states Democrats, now totaling 32 governors, with Democrats holding only 15 and AIP 3.

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    But more important than the gubernatorial elections, the 1969 year he produced an exchange of senators. The Democratic Senator Bob Bartlett died, and the Governor Wally Hickel appointed Republican Ted Stevens for the vacancy. This exchange ended with the "draw" in the Senate, which now had 46 Republican senators, 44 Democrats and 10 of the AIP.
     
    1970 Senate Election
  • 1970 Senate Election

    In the 1970 election the Senators of 35 states would be chosen, 22 controlled by Democrats, 12 by Republicans and one by AIP. The forecast of analysts was that few changes occur, with probably no net gain for any party.

    The two biggest surprises of the election came from New York and California. The first due to the candidate and the second due to the result.

    In New York polls showed a narrow victory for the Conservative candidate James Buckley on a run of six candidates. The situation changed when the defeated former president Bobby Kennedy declared his intention to run for the office of Senator. Kennedy thus become the first former president in 96 years to run for the Senate.

    Despite losing New York in the presidential election of 1968, Kennedy had strength enough to garner votes and get elected in an extremely divided election. And despite the strong campaign of Buckley and Goodell, former President Kennedy seemed to have taken all his charisma and strength after the defeat. With a motivated campaign which impressed the whole country, the former president was elected to the Senate.

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    In California the Senator and former Hollywood star George Murphy decided to run for re-election even unable to speak in a normal voice after a throat cancer. Their support the war in Vietnam and his illness were obstacles to his re-election, but polls showing the front of the young Democratic candidate John V. Tunney, son of the famous Gene Tunney and socialite Polly Lauder Tunney.

    The change in the race happened after Max Rafferty, who lost the Republican primary in 1968 to Kuchel, announcing his candidacy for senator by AIP. In California, unlike in other states, the AIP just pulling more votes Republican. The research then began to show Murphy and Tunney tied. On election day, to the surprise of many, the young Tunney actually won Senator Murphy.

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    In Maryland Senator Joseph Tydings faced John Glenn Beall Jr., son of former Senator James Glenn Beall, in a close election. Most believed that despite the difficulties Tydings keep the position, but in the end the former Congressman Richard Lankford competing for AIP stole enough votes from the Democrats to the Republicans win the election with a lead of only 5,000 votes.

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    The election in Florida was, as in 1968, fierce and tight between the three parties. The Democratic Senator Spessard Holland decided not to run for reelection, and in its place the party launched Lawton Chiles. The Republican Party is split between Edward Gurney, who was defeated two years earlier by 0.1%, and Congressman Bill Cramer. After a primary controversy the name of Bill Cramer was crowned the winner. The AIP has released the name of Robert LF Sikes.

    Although tight, this time were the two traditional parties who were tied in the polls. Sikes appeared behind. Until election day we did not know what would be the winner, and the latest survey showed the score of 33-33-32.

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    After much speculation, the Democrats finally held the seat, getting a close victory.

    Some other interesting results was the youngest Kennedy brother reelecting in Massachusetts with 72%. In the Illinois the member of the prestigious Democratic family, Adlai Stevenson III, winning the election to fill the term of the late Everett Dirksen. Indiana Democratic Senator Vance Hartke getting a win against Richard Roudebush 50.1-49.9. And in Texas Lloyd Bentsen handily defeating George HW Bush.

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    In the end, Democrats won three seats and the Republicans 2. This net gain again tied the number of senators.
     
    1970 House of Representatives Election
  • 1970 House of Representatives Election


    Despite a good start in government Rockefeller, it was expected that the Republicans suffered some minor losses, perhaps even down from 200 Congressmen. Democrats turn bet in your important and enthusiastic campaigns in the Northeast, California and Florida, to regain some seats. The AIP decided to remain defensive and postpone its plan to launch candidates in other regions, with almost all of its candidates in the southern states, and some in Missouri (which obtained two seats) and California (where none was elected ).

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    In the end the Republicans suffered a slightly greater loss than expected, but still keeping as a first party. The Democrats won major seats and AIP expanded its influence out of the Deep South.

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    1970 Gubernatorial Elections
  • 1970 Gubernatorial Elections

    In 1970 35 states choose their governors, 25 controlling the GOP, 8 by Democrats and 2 by AIP. The huge number of states controlled by Republicans at stake and it is a midterm election, were seen by experts as strong evidence that the Democrats would achieve good results in the election.

    First on the elections in the South where the AIP achieved good results:

    In Alabama Wallace Dynasty almost suffered a serious blow with the discovery of a cancer in the Governor Lurleen Wallace, medical reports indicated that she might die. Fortunately Wallace's wife managed to recover and even weak, to complete its mandate.

    In 1970 it was expected that George Wallace would run again unopposed in the AIP. As in 1966 Albert Brewer launched as Wallace opposition candidate with a Republican vice. As expected the result was another term for the Wallace family.

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    In Georgia, as in Alabama, a second term for the Governor was forbidden. Lester Maddox, vice of Wallace in the Presidential election 1968, looking for a member of AIP with enough force to defeat the popular Democrat Jimmy Carter.

    The choice of Maddox fell on Congressman Phillip Landrum. Even with the AIP being the strongest party in the state, Jimmy Carter garnered many votes and polls showed a tie between the two. The Republican candidate appeared considerably behind. As the campaign went Landrum called increasingly for segregation, forcing Jimmy Carter to assume a clearly opposite. George Wallace appeared several times in Georgia to declare their support for Landrum, as well as the Governor Maddox, who appeared daily at Landrum.

    On the last day before the election a survey showed Landrum winning by 38-37. Analysts believed that this could be the last chance of the Democrats regain the Deep South. The next day, Landrum won.

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    In Arkansas the Governor Winthrop Rockefeller, brother of President Nelson Rockefeller, faced Democrat Dale Bumpers. The researchs indicated that Bumpers would win Rockefeller easily. But the last time entry Orval Faubus as a candidate by AIP changed the dynamics of the race. An easy win the race moved to a tight Bumpers victory with 37-34 in polls. Seeing the chances of winning increase his brother, Nelson Rockefeller decided to spend some time in Arkansas also, and to campaign for their vice win a full term in New York.

    The entrance of the President in the campaign Rockefeller gave a last survival Winthrop, and the proximity of the election rested on Bumpers in the polls. And then the impossible happened a few months ago, Rockefeller was re-elected.

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    In South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond was determined to elect someone from the AIP for Governor. In the contest to be chosen of Thurmond was Congressman Albert Watson and State Senator Floyd Spence. Finally Watson was crowned the candidate, by the greater name recognition. Democrats launched John C. West and Republicans James B. Edwards.

    Throughout the campaign Thurmond was devoted body and soul in Watson campaign, having obtained this advantage in the polls from the start. The surprise on election day did not come from Watson have won, but by James Edward have got the 2nd place.

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    The night of November 3 would have been considered a good night for the AIP counting only because they kept their two states in play, won the South Carolina and obtained more than 20% in Arkansas, Florida, Oklahoma and Maryland. But the night would become even better after the release of the eagerly awaited results in Texas.

    In Texas, which until recently was considered a safe Democratic state, came into play when the Democratic Primaries, after a number of voters have switched to AIP, do not pick John Connally Governor to run for a 5th term. Suffering a defeat to Preston Smith by 51-49, Connally felt betrayed by the party. Some rumors said Connally seek the Republican nomination, but the idea was vetoed by Rockefeller himself, independent of that at the end Connally just launching his candidacy by AIP.

    Early research showed a competitive election between Connally and Smith, but during the campaign Smith was deflating their numbers. The Democratic Party decided to focus on the most important elections like New York, Georgia, Florida and California, trusting that Texas would give him the victory again. But in the end they were wrong. AIP achieved its greatest victory so far with John Connally election for Governor of Texas, with a narrow margin of 41-39 against Smith.



    In New York the Lieutenant Governor of Nelson Rockefeller, Malcolm Wilson, who was raised to the post of governor after the 1968 election fought to win a full term. He faced Democrat Arthur Goldberg, former Labor Secretary and Ambassador to the United Nations. Both main candidates 1968 were involved heavily in this election.

    Rockefeller considered a personal approval to his work Malcolm's election and spent most of the campaign in New York. Kennedy's entry in the race for senator moved the research to the Government, with the Democrats enthused to vote. Although Kennedy, Wilson led the research until mid-October.

    With favorable research in New York, Rockefeller took time to focus on the campaign of his brother in Arkansas. The Rockefeller output of New York proved a huge mistake with research in the following week showing a tie between Wilson and Goldberg. When on the 1st November a survey announced the advantage of Goldberg by two points, Rockefeller immediately broke back. It was a desperate act, the damage had been done. New Yorkers have denied another term for Rockefeller’s vice and elected a Democrat after ten years with the Republicans.

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    In California the Governor Ronald Reagan was seeking re-election after the defeat in 1968 primaries. His Democratic opponent was Jesse Unruh, who appeared about 10 points behind Reagan. The popular governor faced little difficulty, even the announcement of little known Bill Shearer by AIP. The candidate of the AIP in the Senate, Max Rafferty, had a name known enough to mobilize votes for the top of the ticket. Yet Reagan continued to lead the race by 51-46.

    With election day approaching, the race began to tighten between Reagan and Unruh, but with the Governor always in the lead. The big names of the GOP decided to focus on the most critical races and leave Reagan alone to win in California. And even with the grip, it seemed likely that the re-election would occur. And so it happened, Reagan won re-election but with a much tighter margin than expected, reaching less than 50% of the vote.

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    At the end of the election, the AIP had won two states, while the Democrats had a net gain of 5 states and Republicans a decrease of 7 states. The total numbers were 25 states for Republicans, 20 for the Democrats and 5 for the AIP.

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    1971 Gubernatorial Elections
  • 1971 Gubernatorial Elections


    In 1971 only three states chose their governors, a state of each party, all three with their governors prevented from re-election by term limits.

    In Kentucky the Republican Governor Louie B. Nunn and his party supported Thomas Emberton to the Governor. The Democrats nominated Lieutenant Governor Wendell H. Ford. AIP announced again the candidacy of Noble Jones Gregory. The research showed Ford winning by 52-45.

    The situation changed when the candidate AIP resigned and in its place was announced former Governor Happy Chandler. The next day the Chandler phrase "Do not call me a racist, but two parties is very little for the good old Kentucky" stamped all state newspapers.

    Happy Chandler tried to excite voters with his back but did not score above 15% in the polls. At the top of the election, but now the researches showed a tie 42-42.

    Virtually all national Democratic machine focused on Kentucky, considering the elections in Mississippi and Louisiana lost. There was no a major Democrat had not passed the Kentucky to support Wendell Ford. And in the end, Ford managed to elect.

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    In Louisiana the Democrats named Edwin Edwards to succeed John McKeithen, betting on an unlikely victory against AIP. Republicans named Dave Treen. The AIP has decided to appoint Felix Edward Hébert, who had lost the senatorial election in 1968 for the popular Senator Long.

    Soon the hopes of the Democrats were slipping away with Hébert always scoring over 40% in the polls. With opposing campaigns emptying, AIP won an easy victory.

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    In Mississippi the Governor of AIP John Bell Williams was prevented by the constitution of the state to seek a new mandate, but everyone expected the candidate of AIP independent of who would win anything. The most disputed contest in the state was the primary AIP. A primary disputed ended up giving a narrow victory to the controversial former governor Ross Barnett.

    The Democrats nominated Bill Waller against Barnett. Republicans have become news across the country to nominate Charles Evers as a candidate for Governor. Evers was the brother of Medgar Evers, one african-American activist killed, killer this had been acquitted thanks to the influence of Barnett.

    What should be an easy win for the AIP it began to unravel due to racist comments Barnett toward Evers. Sources spread Barnett said the Republican candidate "De La Beckwith should have killed other blacks in this family." Barnett denied, but the rumors spread. Research showed the Barnett leadership falling and Evers approaching Waller.

    A few weeks before the election Barnett gave an impassioned speech urging all decent white of the great state of Mississippi to boycott any act of Evers campaign. Segregationist then began attacking speeches and appearances Evers violently, even causing serious injury. The last week of October a shot was fired at Evers. The candidate was not hurt, but the shot killed a young african-american. Republicans immediately blamed for what happened Barnett, the Democratic candidate Bill Waller joined his voice to theirs. Barnett denied ordering an attack, but the phrase stamping the papers the next day was "This was just a decent white family man trying to restore order in this state."

    In the previous election day, the polls showed a tight race between the three candidates. The expectation for a victory of Charles Evers was huge throughout the country. But to the disappointment of all, Ross Barnett won.

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    At the end AIP gained Louisiana, while Democratic won Kentucky and lost Louisiana, and Republicans lost Kentucky. Overall the Republicans now had 24 governors, Democrats 20 and the AIP 6.

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    1972 Republican Party Presidential Primaries
  • 1972 Republican Party Presidential Primaries


    Nelson Rockefeller was a popular president seeking re-election and the forecast was that it would not be challenged within his party. Some, on the contrary, believed would happen the same had happened to Kennedy in 1968 and wronged his chances in the election.

    The fears were unjustified, no candidate presented himself as opposed to Rockefeller. His popularity was huge due to the high level of peace talks in Vietnam.

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    Without facing any challenge, Rockefeller was renamed, as his vice president George W. Romney. For the first time in history a great American party named three times the same ticket: Rockefeller / Romney.
     
    1972 Democratic Party Presidential Primaries
  • 1972 Democratic Party Presidential Primaries


    Few Democrats believed that a victory against Rockefeller was possible, so some of the strongest names have decided to abstain from running in 72, aiming to win in 76.

    The first to launch his candidacy was Eugene McCarthy, who challenged Kennedy in 68. But his anti-war message was weakened due to the Rockefeller advances in the way of peace.

    After McCarthy next to declare his campaign was Texan Senator Lloyd Bentsen, promising to recover the South to the Democrats. Many considered premature the application Bentsen in his first term as Senator.

    After them the next candidate was Congresswoman African-American Shirley Crisholm. The New York Congresswoman was crowned the first woman and the first African-American to seek the Democratic nomination.

    The next candidate was Senator Russell B. Long, promising the same as Bentsen. The Long promise resounded much as it was a popular senator for over 20 years.

    The last candidates to declare were George McGovern and Ed Muskie, respectively Senators from South Dakota and Maine.

    Rumors that Robert and Ted Kennedy would compete were immediately denied by both. The LBJ application was also discussed, but the former president denied any possibility of returning to politics. Hubert Humphrey, who punctuated well in the primary research, announced that he would run. Former Kennedy VP, Matthew E. Welsh also declined the race, as well as Senator Henry M. Jackson.

    The three candidates with the highest score in the polls were McCarthy, McGovern and Muskie, with Long leading in the southern states.

    The first state to choose would be Iowa, on 24 January. The polls showed a tight three-way tie. In the previous week the election, former President Kennedy and his brother endorsed Ed Muskie. Analysts attributed this to Kennedy's anger by McCarthy action in the primaries of 68. With a slight increase in research, Muskie won Iowa.

    The next state to vote was Arizona, where Muskie appeared as a leader in the polls. Research agreed and he won the second victory. Lloyd Bentsen came in a close 4th place.

    McCarthy focused his campaign in New Hampshire, hoping that his appeal would work there. Polls showed a virtual tie between McCarthy and Muskie. With McGovern behind. Crisholm not far away. New Hampshire gave first win McCarthy, with 2% advantage over Muskie.

    In Florida Senator Long appeared leading by 5% against McCarthy, with Muskie, Bentsen and McGovern ago. McCarthy and McGovern decided to focus on the state of Illinois, I would vote next week. Long raised an easy victory.

    In Illinois McGovern appeared tied with McCarthy, with Muskie 5 points behind. The state eventually deliver the first win McGovern. In South Carolina Senator Long won with 20% advantage. The following week in Wisconsin, McGovern secured another victory over McCarthy.

    On April 17 the state of Idaho was the votes, again with a narrow victory McGovern exceeded McCarthy at the last minute. On April 20 in Vermont, it was the turn of Muskie beat McCarthy by only 1%.

    In Massachusetts the support of Kennedy gave a walkover to Muskie. Pennsylvania, which voted on the same day, McCarthy got the best, winning by a narrow margin. In DC Congresswoman Shirley Crisholm got his first win. On the same day of DC, Indiana gave a narrow victory to Muskie, with McGovern just behind and both Long and Bentsen scoring well. And in Ohio McCarthy won a major victory over Muskie.

    On May 4 Tennessee was the votes, giving an easy victory for long. Two days later in North Carolina, Long won another victory. On May 9 Nebraska and West Virginia voted, the first gave a victory to McCarthy and the second to Muskie.

    On May 16, Muskie won Maryland with Long getting second place. On the same day in Michigan, McGovern won Muskie by 2%. On May 23, McGovern won Oregon and Muskie Rhode Island.

    On June 6 four states voted, including the grand prize of California. In New Jersey, Crisholm pulled a surprise victory surpassing Muskie. In New Mexico, Muskie reaped an easy victory, and South Dakota McGovern won. In California, with much support of former President Kennedy, Muskie managed to secure the victory.

    At that time already considered that Muskie would be the likely candidate. The last two states to vote, Texas and New York, were just formalities. Nevertheless, the state of Texas gave the victory to your Senator Lloyd Bentsen. New York was won by Muskie.

    In the Convention, although Muskie be the clear winner, some states did not deliver their votes to him. Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia gave their votes for Senator Long. And Minnesota voted for your Senator Eugene McCarthy.

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    Senator Ed Muskie chose as his VP Senator Lloyd Bentsen of Texas.
     
    1972 American Independent Party Presidential Primaries
  • 1972 American Independent Party Presidential Primaries


    Since the candidacy of Wallace in 1964 AIP had become a large and organized party. What at first it was only a means to Wallace protest the Democrats now had ten senators, six governors and 57 congressmen.

    8 years ago, and even 4 years ago, there was no challenge to Wallace within the party, but the party was now much bigger than him. Figures such as John Connally, Strom Thurmond, Albert S. Herlong, Albert Watson, Phillip Landrum, Ross Barnett, and others, were conquering such an important place as Wallace within the party. And this year would be made the first primary in the history of AIP.

    Wallace candidate launched at the beginning of the campaign, but invited anyone who is considered a better option for the party to apply. John Connally, considered the new face of the party, announced his candidacy against Wallace.

    Days later, the former governor of Kentucky Happy Chandler announced his candidacy, promising distance AIP of his segregationist vision.

    The researches showed a Wallace lead with 52-40-8 with Connally in 2nd place and Chandler occupying a distant third. Stately, Wallace led in most Southern states, Connally in Texas and the states of the West, with Chandler leading only in Kentucky, in the Northeast both Wallace and Connally appeared close.

    The first state to vote would be Iowa, where Wallace appeared leading in the polls with 10% of Connally. As expected, Wallace won. The second state to vote was Arizona, where the Governor of Texas secured a victory, much higher than expected. Wallace and the old founders of AIP began to fear a defeat. The victory Connally gave him a push and the next week in New Hampshire he won again. In all Chandler states bitter least 10% of votes.

    In the next two states, Florida and Illinois, Wallace won new victories. Illinois is by a long margin and Florida by 5%. The South Carolina was another easy victory for Wallace, who had the support of Thurmond. In Wisconsin Wallace won again.

    Despite the win streak, the two weeks between the primary of Wisconsin and Idaho ended Wallace's momentum. Connally won Idaho by a comfortable margin, as well as Vermont three days later. On April 25, despite research showing a Wallace victory, Connally eventually won Massachusetts by a tight margin. On the same day he won Pennsylvania.

    The victories in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania marked Connally as the moderate party candidate (the candidacy of Chandler was not excited yet) and brought him on 2 May victories in DC and Ohio. Wallace won Indiana on the same day by a narrow margin.

    On May 4 Wallace's victory at Tennessee was expected, but the surprise was the vote of Chandler, which exceeded 20%. Two days later in North Carolina Wallace won again. On 9 May Connally won in Nebraska and Wallace in West Virginia.

    On May 16 two states were the votes and again divided, Maryland voting for Wallace and Michigan in Connally. On May 23 the states of Oregon and Rhode Island voted, giving both a great victory for Connally.

    On June 6 four states would vote, including California. Wallace appeared in leading the grand prize, but Connally led in the other three states by large margins. The Connally campaign focused entirely in California, while Wallace was divided between California and New Jersey. The results showed, as expected, Connally winning easy New Mexico and South Dakota. In New Jersey Connally won with a narrow margin of 0.5%, much lower than expected. The results in New Jersey did not indicate anything good in California for the Texan Governor.

    At the end of the night when the results of California began to leave, Wallace soon took the lead, and remained so for the rest of the vote. As it was expected that most delegations would support Wallace in Convention, Connally needed a victory in California.

    The last two states to vote were Texas and New York. In Texas Connally obviously won by a wide margin. In New York, after the news already calling Wallace winner, Connally eventually lost by 5%.

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    At the convention, all the other delegations decided to support Wallace, to show that the party unit had survived its first internal dispute. John Connally himself gave a speech at the Convention praising the Governor of Alabama and promising that he would make all the campaign needed to elect him president.

    The first Wallace choice for VP was his opponent in the primaries, John Connally, but he refused. The choice turned out to fall in Senator Albert S. Herlong, Jr. of Florida.
     
    1972 General Election
  • 1972 General Election


    The 1972 election was the 3rd election followed by Rockefeller and Wallace as candidates with Muskie as debutant Democratic candidate. Rockefeller appeared as the favorite choice, although Muskie be scoring a bit better than Kennedy on 68.

    The Rockefeller campaign was decided to repeat the victory, concentrating on keeping the key states of California, New York, Ohio and Michigan. Also they are planning to make inroads in Pennsylvania, Illinois and New Jersey, as well as increasing the margin in Florida (which was conquered by 35 votes to 68). The President had at his side a good popularity and advances in peace with Vietnam. And unfavorable points had to take losses in the mid-terms and good vision that voters had Muskie in addition to the recovery of the popularity of Kennedy. Rockefeller also intended to appeal to the black vote in the South, despite having little hope of winning some state there.

    Ed Muskie hoped to reverse some states in the Northeast, particularly New York with the support of Kennedy, and New Hampshire and Vermont, on the other was confident that would keep them. The presence of the Texan Lloyd Bentsen on the ticket gave him security that keep Texas, and hope that is competitive in other Southerners states. Muskie also invest in Florida, the decisive state in 68. Also invest strong in California with the new Senator Tunney and former President Kennedy, Ohio was in his plans as well.

    Wallace knew he would never get the 270 Electoral Votes enough to become President, but he hoped to prevent anyone from reaching it. In 68 he was there 35 votes to achieve this. The goal of the AIP in this election, and throw the election to Congress, was to expand your map, managing to win in Florida, so Wallace chose Herlong as his VP, Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri and Oklahoma, with Texas and Maryland being one too ambitious dream.

    The campaign, as always, brought controversy. The Rockefeller campaign used against the Wallace Barnett words in the campaign for governor. The attack suggesting that all AIP was racist work nationally, but raised Wallace numbers in the South. Muskie remained throughout the campaign as a calm and serene candidate, not fighting back any of Wallace attacks.

    The more the election day approached, the more the Rockefeller and Muskie numbers approached. In October Muskie appeared already competitive in New York, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and California, appearing well ahead in New Jersey, Illinois and Texas. General polls indicated a close Rockefeller victory with 39-38-20.

    And then, in this fierce scenario came the day of the election:


    1972 Election Nigth Coverage


    7:00

    Smith: Good evening and welcome to the coverage of ABC. Today the wait is over and finally we will know if the polls were right. For now we can see that we have some national votes, the majority coming from Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.

    Presidential 1%

    Rockefeller 35% Muskie 34% Wallace 31%

    Smith: We have some state results to show too.

    12% Indiana: Muskie 48% Rockefeller 41% Wallace 11%

    50% Kentucky: Rockefeller 36% Muskie 32% Wallace 32%

    Reasoner: We can not declare the winner of any of the two states yet. But we can declare that the Governor George Wallace won the 10 electoral votes of Tennessee.

    17% Tennessee: Wallace 44% Rockefeller 30% Muskie 26%


    7:30

    Smith: We can now declare a few states. Wallace will be the winner in Georgia and Mississippi. We can now call Kentucky to Rockefeller and Indiana to Muskie. Let's take a look at the national vote.

    Presidential 3%

    Rockefeller 37% Muskie 36% Wallace 27%

    EV:

    Wallace 29 Muskie 13 Rockefeller 9

    Reasoner: We remember that night is still in the beginning and these results are extremely premature.

    Smith: What we can see so far is a tighter race than we expected in many states.


    8:00

    Smith: We have a few more states to call: Wallace wins in South Carolina and Alabama. Rockefeller is the winner in Vermont and Muskie in Illinois. Ohio, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia and Florida are still too close to call.

    Reasoner: Let's take a look at the electoral map at this point.

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    Wallace 46 Muskie 39 Rockefeller 12

    Smith: Let's take a look also in some states not called yet:

    17% Virginia: Rockefeller 36% Muskie 33% Wallace 32%

    3% Michigan: Rockefeller 46% Muskie 40% Wallace 14%

    2% West Virginia: Muskie 40% Rockefeller 36% Wallace 24%

    10% Ohio: Muskie 47% Rockefeller 46% Wallace 7%

    5% Florida: Rockefeller 33% Wallace 33% Muskie 33%

    Reasoner: We can see that Florida probably will again be the tightest state election. In Ohio we Muskie in front, but there are many republican areas yet to come.

    Smith: This election could end up being the tightest of our history. If the President Rockefeller lose as much as Florida Ohio, I do not see a viable path to it exceed 270.

    Reasoner: I have just received information that we have three more states to call, West Virginia for Muskie, Michigan to Rockefeller and North Carolina to Wallace. Let's take a look at the national vote.

    Presidential 6%

    Rockefeller 39% Muskie 39% Wallace 22%

    Smith: Indeed increasingly tighter. But the chances of being elected Rockefeller are still the largest. Michigan was an expected but important victory.


    8:30

    Smith: We can now assign 3 DC Electoral Votes for Muskie. All other states are still too nearby to call.

    Reasoner: Let's look at the national results.

    Presidential 8%

    Rockefeller 40% Muskie 39% Wallace 21%


    9:00

    Smith: We can make some important calls right now. The state of Arkansas will give its 6 Votes for Electoral Wallace. Muskie win Massachussetts. Rockefeller is the winner in Kansas and Virginia.

    Reasoner: The race in electoral votes now looks like this: Wallace 65 Muskie 62 Rockefeller 52. Let's see national figures. Wait a minute, we have some new states ready to be called. Oklahoma will give their votes to Rockefeller and Connecticut for Muskie. The Democratic candidate now takes the lead, with 70 electoral votes. Let's take a look at the map at this point.

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    Smith: Increasingly it seems that the election will be decided by a few critical states, let's take a look at them.

    21% Ohio: Muskie 47% Rockefeller 47% Wallace 6%

    11% Florida: Wallace 33% Rockefeller 33% Muskie 33%

    3% Texas: Muskie 40% Rockefeller 32% Wallace 28%

    14% New Hampshire: Muskie 48% Rockefeller 47% Wallace 5%

    22% Maryland: Rockefeller 36% Muskie 34% Wallace 30%

    50% Delaware: Muskie 46% Rockefeller 46% Wallace 8%

    7% Pennsylvania: Muskie 46% Rockefeller 41% Wallace 13%

    Reasoner: Things seem more and more complicated in Florida. The Muskie leadership in Delaware and New Hampshire are surprises that can help the Democrats. Ohio will be a very critical state, but many Republican areas have not yet been called.


    9:30

    Smith: We have some important states to call. We can report that Muskie win Texas and Pennsylvania. Rockefeller is the winner in New Mexico and Wallace in Louisiana.

    Reasoner: These results give a great advantage for Muskie in the Electoral College. Let's take a look.

    EV

    Muskie 123 Wallace 75 Rockefeller 64

    Smith: Let's look at the national numbers now.

    Presidencial 19%

    Muskie 40% Rockefeller 39% Wallace 21%

    Reasoner: For the first time we Muskie in front here. And we have some calls to make. Senator Muskie will earn their state as expected. The President Rockefeller will be the winner in South Dakota and Iowa. Let's take a look at the map, where Rockefeller exceeded Wallace.

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    10:00

    Smith: We have an important update to make on two critical states.

    33% Ohio: Rockefeller 48% Muskie 47% Wallace 5%

    20% Florida: Muskie 33% Wallace 33% Rockefeller 33%

    Smith: As we can see Rockefeller took the lead in Ohio. Already in Florida things continue shuffled. There is no chance of Muskie get the necessary 270 electoral votes without these two states. Rockefeller need to win at least one.

    Reasoner: We can call some states at this time. Rhode Island will for Muskie, as expected. We design on the other side that Rockefeller will win in Colorado and North Dakota. The first numbers of his home state in New York began to appear.

    3% New York: Rockefeller 49% Muskie 42% Wallace 9%.


    10:30

    Smith: We can call some very disputed states at this time. Senator Muskie will be the winner in New Hampshire, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland. The President Rockefeller win the votes of his home state of New York, in addition to the states of Nebraska, Utah, Montana and Nevada.

    Reasoner: Let's take a look at the map at the moment. Senator Muskie currently leads the Electoral College with 165 votes, with President Rockefeller just behind with 143 votes and the Governor Wallace with 75 votes.

    ogJ8P3C.png

    Smith: Let's take a look at some tight races.

    50% Ohio: Rockefeller 47% Muskie 47% Wallace 6%

    39% Florida: Wallace 33% Muskie 33% Rockefeller 33%

    11% Missouri: Rockefeller 42% Muskie 41% Wallace 17%

    25% Minnesota: Muskie 46% Rockefeller 45% Wallace 9%


    11:00

    Smith: We have some really important results to call now. Senator Muskie will win in Minnesota, while Rockefeller will win the states of Wisconsin, Wyoming, Idaho and Arizona. Let's take a look at the map.

    OtAg6C7.png

    Reasoner: With these results we can project that Senator Muskie will only reach 270 electoral votes to win the California, which can be something really difficult. On the other hand, the path does not seem easy to Rockefeller, the President, assuming win California and Alaska, need that the three tight states of Ohio, Florida and Missouri give you a win, and still need to win one of three states where Muskie always led in the polls: Hawaii, Oregon and Washington.

    Smith: We can not forget that at this time Wallace leads in Florida. If the AIP win this state, the election will have no winner and go to Congress. It would be the first time in almost 150 years that we would have this.


    11:30

    Smith: We can now call the state of Hawaii to Senator Ed Muskie.

    Reasoner: Let's take a look at the states that decided this election.

    81% Ohio: Rockefeller 47% Muskie 47% Wallace 6%

    52% Florida: Muskie 33% Wallace 33% Rockefeller 33%

    50% Missouri: Muskie 44% Rockefeller 44% Wallace 12%


    12:00

    Reasoner: We have some really important results to call right now. The President Rockefeller will be the winner of the great state of California. Senator Muskie will win in Washington.

    Smith: For the first time on the night the President Rockefeller takes the lead in the electoral college, 212 to him, 188 for Muskie and 75 for Wallace.

    Reasoner: With these results we can say that Senator Ed Muskie is not able to get the 270 electoral votes needed to win. Rockefeller need to earn all five remaining states to win, complicated task but not impossible.


    12:30

    Smith: We have two states to call right now. The President Rockefeller will be the winner in Alaska and Ohio. I repeat, the President Rockefeller won the state of Ohio and its 25 electoral votes.

    Reasoner: This is a result much anticipated by President campaign, the state was very close all night. Let's take a look at the three other states.

    80% Florida: Wallace 33% Rockefeller 33% Muskie 33%

    70% Missouri: Rockefeller 44% Muskie 44% Wallace 12%

    29% Oregon: Muskie 48% Rockefeller 47% Wallace 5%

    Smith: Rockefeller needs to maintain its lead in Missouri and get some extra votes in Florida. But his most difficult task seems to be Oregon. Senator Muskie worked hard in this state.


    1:00

    Reasoner: We have now another important call to make. The President Rockefeller will be the winner of the 12 votes of the Electoral Missouri. Let's take a look at the map at the moment.

    pjr0iB2.png

    Smith: Rockefeller now has 252 Electoral Votes, a distance of only 18 of the magical 270. The state of Florida to grant him only 17 EVs, then it may depend on the Oregon.

    Reasoner: Viewers stay with us. Soon we will know the result of one of the tightest elections in recent memory.

    Smith: Soon we will know if we will have a result today. Everything indicates that we can take this election to Congress.


    1:30

    Smith: Viewers of America. Now, at the beginning of this day of November 8, 1972, we can call the last two states in this historic election for the country.

    Reasoner: There is no easy way to say this, so I'll cut to the chase. Senator Ed Muskie was the winner of Oregon. Governor George Wallace is the winner of Florida.

    Smith: With these results our next president will be decided by Congress, something unheard in the memory of any living person.

    Reasoner: Thanks for letting us follow this historic night. Good evening everyone.

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    1972 Senate Election
  • 1972 Senate Election


    In the election of 1972 the Senators of 33 states would be chosen. 5 controlled by AIP, 9 by Democrats and 19 by Republicans. Despite the large number of Republican candidates, experts predicted significant losses, since the states to be defended were favorable.

    One of the biggest surprises of the night came from Arkansas, where Senator John Little McClellan sought re-election to his 6th term. The Democratic senator rarely faced opposition, but this time would be different. Two strong opponents threw themselves into the race: Republican Wayne H. Babbitt and former Governor Orval Faubus, by AIP.

    The old senator was well known throughout the state and his re-election was taken for granted, and a strong opposition caused him a surprise. As a presidential year also helped the numbers of Faubus, as Wallace had much support in Arkansas. Babbitt tried to use the Governor Rockefeller as much as he could, but this was facing his own reelection.

    Despite announcing research was a big surprise when the result showed that the former governor Orval Faubus had won by a small margin the old McClellan.

    2OmwGAc.png

    In North Carolina the old and sick Senator B. Everett Jordan lost the Democratic primary to Nick Galifianakis. Republicans launched Congressman Charles R. Jonas. AIP launched the favorite candidate to win, Jesse Helms.

    As projected, Helms won, but by a much larger margin than expected.

    3FUiJyU.png

    All five seats defended by AIP were kept. In Alabama Senator John Sparkman was re-elected. In Georgia, after the death of Senator Richard Russell Jr., the Governor Landrum appointed former Governor Lester Maddox for the position, Maddox got a full term. Louisiana after the death of Senator Allen J. Ellender, John Rarick was appointed to the post and got a full term. In Mississippi James Eastland was re-elected. In South Carolina Senator Thurmond was re-elected.

    New Hampshire Republican Senator Harrison Thyng had serious chances of losing office for Senator defeated in 66, Thomas J. McIntyre. But in the Democratic primaries the former senator withdrew to compete. The chosen to challenge Thyng was then John A. Durkin. Although McIntyre be scoring better in the polls, Durkin was still ahead of Thyng. On election day the polls proved true: Durkin won the seat with 6% advantage.

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    In Maine the ancient Senator Margaret Chase Smith faced a difficult re-election campaign. The Democratic challenger, William Hathaway, appeared in research tied to her. And the presence of Senator Ed Muskie at the top of the ticket would probably help Hathaway. The 75 years senator has one of the most grueling campaigns of his career to keep his mandate. The result on election day was one of the tightest of the night.

    Bh1JZzj.png

    Overall, the Democrats ended up winning two seats in New Hampshire and Maine, and lost five, Arkansas, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Virginia. The AIP had won the two seats in Arkansas and North Carolina. Republicans won in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Virginia, losing New Hampshire and Maine. With these results the Republicans got 46 senators, Democrats 46 and AIP 12.

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    1972 House of Representatives Election
  • 1972 House of Representatives Election


    The election for the House in 1972 promised to be an election with few changes. None of the parties hoped to gain great victories or suffer heavy losses.

    Democrats won some seats in California, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Washington, Utah and New Mexico. Their gains were matched by Republicans in Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa and Maine. The only party that ended with a positive net gain was the AIP, not losing any of their seats and winning 7 more around the South.

    oXruY6Z.png

    In the end, the Republicans continued with its leadership, although by far the majority. With 189 Congressmen, they soon came ahead of the Democrats with 183 and AIP with 64.

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    1972 Gubernatorial Elections
  • 1972 Gubernatorial Elections


    In 1972 eighteen states choose their governors, 10 states controlled by Republicans, 7 by Democrats and 1 by AIP.

    In Arkansas Governor Winthrop Rockefeller, who had won a tight re-election against Dale Bumpers and Orval Faubus, probably would not have the same luck. Democrats launched Bumpers candidate again, as the AIP Faubus appointed to the Senate and Congressman Wilbur Mills for Governor. The research indicated a small leadership of Bumpers on Mills, with Rockefeller third.

    Unlike 1970 this was a presidential year. Winthrop could not count on the help of his brother. Mills was already favored by Wallace support in Arkansas. The result was a big question until the day of the election, with few risking to name a winner between Bumpers and Mills. In the end, by a narrow margin, the AIP won.

    4UBstVq.png

    Missouri Democrat Governor Warren E. Hearnes could not run for re-election. The research indicated a narrow victory for the Republican Kit Bond. AIP launched as a candidate William L. Hungate, hoping to make the state competitive both in the election for governor and for president. But Hungate not wowed, and AIP saw their numbers fall in both races. In the end, Bond won with almost 50% of the vote.

    fQ5dAWZ.png

    In North Carolina, on the contrary, the application of AIP wowed and appeared in front of the polls from the start. Congressman Alton Lennon led Republican James Holshouser by 6%, with the Democratic Hargrove Bowles far behind. During the campaign, Holshouser was becoming increasingly popular in the state, eventually tie in the polls with Alton Lennon. On election day, Lennon went on to win, but by a much smaller margin than Jesse Helms in the Senate. Analysts attributed the victory Lennon just to race in the Senate.

    0HLMd34.png

    In West Virginia Governor Arch A. Moore, Jr. in trouble in his re-election. Four years before the candidate of AIP managed only 6% of the vote, now Bob Mollohan could more than 15% in the polls. And the Democratic candidate, Jay Rockefeller, was very popular, and some Republicans decide to vote for him only to have the surname of the president. Both Mollohan and Rockefeller decided to focus its attacks on Governor Moore, and this strategy cost him first place in the polls. On election day, Rockefeller won.

    EzUq1Rk.png

    In New Hampshire the former Senator Thomas J. McIntyre gave up to run for his seat lost six years before and instead threw candidate for governor. He faced Republican Meldrim Thomson, Jr. The research indicated a good advantage for McIntyre. The strong campaign of Muskie and Durkin also helped McIntyre. In the end it was no surprise that the Democrat was declared the winner.

    In Indiana the former Kennedy VP, Matthew E. Welsh followed the example of its President and return policy. He applied for Indiana Governor and won the election.

    At the end of the night the AIP had won two states, the Democrats had obtained a net gain of 3 states and Republicans a loss of 5 states.

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    Everybody will to Alabama
  • Everybody will to Alabama


    On the night of November 8 in the heart of Montgomery, the Governor's Mansion was celebrating. The round of the election for Congress and the conquest of Florida were wonderful victories for Wallace. The fireworks sparkled in the sky while George and Lurleen Wallace down the stairs to the ballroom.

    All governors, all Senators, all Congressmen of the AIP, they had gone to Alabama. Wallace greeted them one by one, giving special thanks to their candidate for VP Albert S. Herlong. The Governor asked the party leaders in the Senate and the House to schedule a meeting between the three for the next morning.

    The party noise kept the city awake the whole night, a great dinner was served and Wallace provided a memorable speech, as if he had been elected President. After his speech, the crowd of AIP burst into cheers and the party recommenced.

    In the next day the governor's mansion gardens agree full of the whole country reporters, everyone wondered: what Wallace would do?

    At that same moment the Governor Wallace was meeting with Senator Strom Thurmond and Congressman Jamie Whitten in his Governor's office.

    Wallace: My dear friends, today we are the victors. But we need to decide the best way to takes this power.

    Whitten: I would advise our delegations to vote in the Lord, Governor. Not Muskie or the President Rockefeller has great things to offer us.

    Thurmond: I'm inclined to agree with Whitten, but we should at least hear them. In any case our best choice seems to be Bentsen.

    Wallace: Bentsen is the best candidate for us, but it would be favorable to the AIP elect a Southern Democrat as President?

    Whitten: The Governor prefers Romney?

    Thurmond: Or Muskie? Rockefeller? None seem acceptable.

    Wallace: Calm down friends, I have nothing against Bentsen. I have problems I am with the party ours Texan. Perhaps...

    Thurmond: He could?

    Wallace: We'll find out.

    And with a smile Wallace fired them.


    Days after Senator Muskie came to Alabama, along with his wife and several Democratic members. The Governor Wallace promptly offered lodging in the Governor's Mansion.

    That same day the two candidates met for a chat.

    Muskie: Governor, do not forget your past, you used to be a Democrat like me. Do not want to deliver the presidency to the Republicans.

    Wallace: The Democrats have abandoned me, left me and the South. We kept you in power for a long time, now the South has its own party.

    Muskie: Do not be so radical, we want you back to our party.

    Wallace: This is not a serious proposal. I would advise that Senator back up there and come visit me again when you have decent proposals. Our conversation ends here.



    The next day after the Democratic candidate left, the vice president Romney came to Alabama. As Muskie, it stayed in the Governor's Mansion and the same day together to Wallace for a meeting.

    Wallace: Vice-President, I assume that come to me talking about the Rockefeller name.

    Romney: Exactly Governor. Our President is aware of its importance in the election approaching, he wants their support.

    Wallace: In exchange for Vice President?

    Romney: I assume that for you stability in the country not enough. We are open to compromise on some issues dear to Southerners.

    Wallace: Some issues?

    Romney: Obviously we can not move on Civil Rights, if that is what the Governor refers.

    Wallace: Was that. But answer me one thing Romney, than you are done?

    Romney: Governor did not understand the question.

    Wallace: You are here, in front of the man who can make you President of the United States of America.

    Romney: Talk about this possibility is not in my thoughts.

    Wallace: Are you sure? Do not you think that would be a better president than Rockefeller? Because I think it would be. If you were ready to promise something more than President Rockefeller, I would be ready to make him President.

    Romney: I do not think it's relevant treat it, I think I should be excused.

    Wallace: Very well Vice President, but think about what you said.


    The next visit to Wallace was Lloyd Bentsen. Like the others, stayed in the Governor's Mansion and the same day he met with the candidate of the AIP.

    Wallace: Lloyd, I must say that you are the best option for me. You're a Southerner, you know what we want, what we need.

    Bentsen: I am honored by this Governor.

    Wallace: But I need to know, you want to be President?

    Bentsen: I am here as a candidate for vice president.

    Wallace: My question was not answered.

    Bentsen: I would not refuse the job, Governor.

    Wallace: Good, very good. You will then President.

    Bentsen: I will be president? You will give me the presidency?

    Wallace: Calm down Lloyd, I just have a problem as you. His party.

    Bentsen: My party?

    Wallace: I do not like your party. If you want to be President, should come to the party that really belongs, the party of all Southerners.

    Bentsen: The Congress never vote for me if I were the AIP.

    Wallace: Of course I know that. But I can not trust you, is cheating on his current party right now. Minutes before the vote in the Senate you sign a document formalizing its entry in the AIP, this document will be released only after the election, when all goes well, as will be President of the United States.

    Bentsen: And then I will be the president?

    Wallace: Exactly, a President of the AIP.
     
    1973 Special Election in Congress
  • 1973 Special Election in Congress


    January 6, 1973, 13:00

    Smith: Good morning and welcome to coverage of ABC. Today we will see one of the most memorable moments of that country.

    Reasoner: You can feel in the air the smell of history being made.

    Smith: The Senators and Congressmen are already assembled in the Chamber of the US House of Representatives. The Vice-President Romney is chairing the session.

    Reasoner: Note that the place of the Speaker of the House is vacant, unlike previous years when an agreement was made to elect the party leader with more Congressmen, this time the AIP refused to vote for Ford yet.

    Smith: It is a rare and curious case not have a President or Vice-President Elect, and adds to the fact that the House also has not elected a President.

    Reasoner: The lack of a Speaker in the House may be important at the end of the day. According to the Presidential Succession Act of 1947 in the January 20 we do not have a President or Vice President-elect, who would take over as Acting President would be the Speaker.

    Smith: In this case the President would be the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. Which currently does not exist, because the AIP prevent his election. If it came to the extreme case on January 20 have nobody taking any of these positions, we do not make the slightest idea happen.

    Reasoner: But let's stop imagining the future now, the Governor Wallace gave us an interview this morning and assured that there will be someone to take on 20 January. He also said that elections eventually going to the Congress will be normal from now.

    Smith: The joint session has just begun, we will follow the counting of electoral votes.


    Smith: As expected, the score was as follows:

    Rockefeller/Romney 252 EVs

    Muskie/Bentsen 194 EVs

    Wallace/Herlong. Jr 92 EVs

    Reasoner: We have confirmation that the election did not get a winner. We will return soon to cover the election.


    Smith: Both sessions have started, soon the first votes will be known.

    -The State of Alabama vote for George Wallace.

    -The State of Alaska vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    -The State of Arizona vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    Reasoner: So far no unexpected result here, Rockefeller 2, Wallace 1. Let's see how is the Senator, where Romney VP presiding officer will decide their future.

    - Senator George Aiken vote for George Romney.

    - Senator James Allen vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    - Senator Gordon L. Allot vote for George Romney.

    - Senator Howard Baker vote for George Romney.

    - Senator Dewey F. Bartlett vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Birch Bayh vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    Reasoner: Romney 4, Bentsen 2. If the AIP vote as Senator Allen, Bentsen will be elected Vice-President.

    Smith: Let us return to the House.

    -The State of Arkansas vote for George Wallace.

    -The State of California vote for Edmund Muskie.

    -The State of Colorado vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    Reasoner: All as expected in the House, Rockefeller 3, Wallace 2, Muskie 1. Likely to have a halt here.

    Smith: We go to the Senate, where Senator Bentsen soon will vote in itself.

    -Senator Henry Bellmon vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Wallace F. Bennett vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Lloyd Bentsen vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Alan Bible vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Joe Biden vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Edward Brooke vote for George Romney.

    Smith: Nothing new in the Senate, Romney 7, Bentsen 5. Let the House.

    -The State of Connecticut vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    -The State of Delaware vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    -The State of Florida vote for George Wallace.

    Reasoner: Rockefeller 5, Wallace 3, Muskie 1. You need 26 votes to become president.

    -Senator Quentin N. Burdick vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    - Senator Harry F. Byrd vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Robert Byrd vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Clifford Chase vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Margaret Chase Smith vote for George Romney.

    - Lawton Chiles votes on Lloyd Bentsen.

    Smith: Romney 9, Bentsen 9. A draw at the moment but the forecast is that Bentsen be elected.

    -The State of Georgia vote for George Wallace.

    -The State of Hawaii vote for Edmund Muskie.

    -The State of Idaho vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    Smith: Rockefeller 6, Wallace 4, Muskie 2.

    -Senator Frank Church vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Marlow Cook vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Norris Cotton vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Thomas B. Curtis vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Carl Curtis vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Bod Dole vote for George Romney.

    Reasoner: Romney 14, Bentsen 10. No unexpected vote yet.

    Smith: Please note that at this time the state of Illinois will vote in the House. The forecast is that the state abstains.

    -The State of Illinois vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    Smith: This seems to be a great clue to Rockefeller, he managed to convince a Democratic congressman to change his vote. Rumors of a Bentsen presidency may have scared some Democrats. Rockefeller have converted some other vote or just this one?

    -The State of Indiana vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    -The State of Iowa vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    Smith: Rockefeller 9, Wallace 4, Muskie 2. Nothing new in these two states.

    -Senator Pete Domenici vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Peter H. Dominick vote for George Romney.

    -Senator John A. Durkin vote for George Romney.

    Reasoner: A Democratic senator just vote for Romney, but it is unlikely that this affects Bentsen election.

    -Senator James Eastland vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Sam Ervin vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Paul Fannin vote for George Romney.

    Reasoner: Romney 17, Bentsen 13.

    -The State of Kansas vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    -The State of Kentucky vote on Edmund Muskie.

    -The State of Louisiana vote for George Wallace.

    Smith: Rockefeller 10, Wallace 5, Muskie 3.

    -Senator Orval Faubus vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Hiram Fong vote for George Romney.

    -Senator J. William Fulbright vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator John Glenn Beall, Jr. vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Albert Gore, Sr. vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Mike Gravel vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    Reasoner: Romney 19, Bentsen 17.

    -The State of Maine vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    Smith: Another state expected to abstain from voting at Rockefeller Republicans control 21 delegations, they need to get 5 extra states, so far got two. Rockefeller is to be congratulated for convincing an own state congressman to vote against Muskie.

    -The State of Maryland vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    Smith: Rockefeller need to get only two swing states now.

    -The State of Masschussetts vote for Edmund Muskie.

    Smith: Rockefeller 12, Wallace 5, Muskie 4.

    -Senator Robert P. Griffin vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Clifford Hansen vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Philip Hart vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Vance Hartke vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Mark Hatfield vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Jesse Helms vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    Reasoner: Romney 22, Bentsen 20.

    -The State of Michigan vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    -The State of Minnesota vote for Edmund Muskie.

    -The State of Mississippi vote for George Wallace.

    Smith: Rockefeller 13, Wallace 6, Muskie 5

    -Senator Albert S. Herlong, Jr. vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Bourke B. Hickenlooper vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Ernest Hollings vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Roman Hruska vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Hubert Humphrey vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Daniel Inouye vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    Reasoner: Romney 24, Bentsen 24.

    -The State of Missouri vote for Edmund Muskie.

    -The State of Montana vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    -The State of Nebraska vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    Smith: Rockefeller 15, Muskie 6, Wallace 6.

    -Senator Henry M. Jackson vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Jacob K. Javits vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Robert F. Kennedy vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Ted Kennedy vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Thomas Kuchel vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Paul Laxalt vote for George Romney.

    Reasoner: Romney 27, Bentsen 27.

    -The State of Nevada vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    -The State of New Hampshire vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    -The State of New Jersey vote for Edmund Muskie.

    Smith: Rockefeller 17, Muskie 7, Wallace 6.

    -Senator Russell B. Long vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Lester Maddox vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Warren Magnuson vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Mike Mansfield vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Charles Mathias vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Eugene McCarthy vote for George Romney.

    Reasoner: It's not a surprise that McCarthy vote. Romney 30, Bentsen 30.

    -The State of New Mexico abstains.

    Smith: The first state to abstain in the election in the House.

    -The State of New York vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    Smith: This is really impressive. Rockefeller had to convince two Congressional Democrats to change their vote. Victory in New York was extremely unexpected. I bet this time in a new Presidency Rockefeller.

    -The State of North Carolina abstains.

    Smith: Rockefeller 18, Muskie 7, Wallace 6. 2 abstentions.

    -Senator James A. McClure vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Gale W. McGee vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator George McGovern vote for George Romney.

    Reasoner: Another Democratic betrayal. In the end we can have the Rockefeller / Romney ticket winning both elections.

    -Senator Lee Metcalf vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Jack Miller vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Joseph M. Montoya vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    Reasoner: Bentsen 34, Romney 32.

    -The State of North Dakota vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    -The State of Ohio vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    -The State of Oklahoma abstains.

    Smith: Rockefeller 20, Muskie 7, Wallace 6. 3 abstentions. With these states, both Muskie as Wallace can not afford to get there 26 votes.

    -Senator Wayne Morse vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Frank Moss vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Karl E. Mundt vote for George Romney.

    Reasoner: The defeated presidential candidate Edmund Muskie vote this time, with a face clearly dejected after the news of the House.

    -Senator Edmund Muskie vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Gaylord Nelson vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Louie B. Nunn vote for George Romney.

    Reasoner: Bentsen 38, Romney 34.

    -The State of Oregon vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    Smith: With this state Rockefeller won five states not covered beyond 21 delegations. If there is no Republican betrayal, Rockefeller will be re-elected president in a surprising election.

    -The State of Pennsylvania vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    -The State of Rhode Island vote for Edmund Muskie.

    Smith: Rockefeller 22, Muskie 8, Wallace 6. 3 abstentions.

    Senator John O. Pastore vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator James B. Pearson vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Clairbone Pell vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Charles H. Percy vote for George Romney.

    -Senator William Proxmire vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Jennings Randolph vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    Reasoner: Bentsen 42, Romney 36. Bentsen is only 9 votes to be elected Vice President.

    -The State of South Carolina vote for George Wallace.

    -The State of South Dakota vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    -The State of Tennessee vote for George Wallace.

    Smith: Rockefeller 23, Muskie 8, Wallace8. 3 abstentions.

    -Senator John Rarick vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Abraham A. Ribicoff vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator William V. Roth vote for George Romney.

    -Senator William B. Saxbe vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Richard Schweiker vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Hugh Scott vote for George Romney.

    Reasoner: Bentsen 44, Romney 40. Bentsen is 7 votes to be Vice-President.

    -The State of Texas vote for Edmund Muskie.

    -The State of Utah vote for Edmund Muskie.

    -The State of Vermont vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    Smith: Rockefeller 24, Muskie 10, Wallace 8. Rockefeller needs to win only two more delegations.

    -Senator William L. Scott vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Robert Stafford vote for George Romney.

    -Senator John C. Stennis vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Ted Stevens vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Adlai Stevenson III vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Stuart Symington vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    Reasoner: Bentsen 47, Romney 43. Bentsen need 4 more votes to reach the vice presidency.

    -The State of Virginia vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    -The State of Washington vote on Edmund Muskie.

    -The State of West Virginia votes for Edmund Muskie.

    Smith: Rockefeller 25, Muskie 12, Wallace 8. President Rockefeller needs only one more delegation to be re-elected President.

    -Senator Robert Taft, Jr. vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Herman Talmadge vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Strom Thurmond vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator John Tower vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    Reasoner: This Republican betrayal bury the chances of Romney be elected. We consider 99% sure that Rockefeller and Bentsen will be elected today.

    -Senator John Tunney vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    Reasoner: With this vote Senator Lloyd Bentsen was elected Vice President of the United States of America.

    -Senator Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Jack Williams vote for George Romney.

    -Senator Harrison A. Williams vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    -Senator Milton Young vote for George Romney.

    -Senator John Sparkman vote for Lloyd Bentsen.

    Reasoner: The final score is Bentsen 53, Romney 47.

    -The State of Wisconsin vote for Edmund Muskie.

    Smith: Pay attention now, the last state will vote. And probably deliver the presidency again to Nelson Rockefeller.

    -The State of Wyoming vote for Nelson Rockefeller.

    Smith: Viewers, President Nelson Rockefeller was re-elected President of the United States of America. The final score was Rockefeller 26, Muskie 13, Wallace 8. 3 abstentions. I repeat, Nelson Rockefeller was re-elected US President.
     
    1973 Gubernatorial Elections
  • 1973 Gubernatorial Elections


    In 1973 Election two states chose their governors, both controlled by Republicans.

    In New Jersey Democrat Brendar Byrne was elected without surprises.

    In Virginia the election was much tighter between the Republican Mills E. Godwin, Jr. (former Democratic governor) and the Democratic Henry Howell. The candidate of AIP Watkins Abbitt Moorman appeared in a distant third.

    All three candidates passed the campaign exchanging insults and accusations, and throughout the election polls showed a tight election with a draw 43-43. On election day, the results showed a higher vote than expected to Abbitt, and a narrow victory for Howell.

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    At the end the Democrats controlled 25 states, Republicans 17 and AIP 8.

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    More important than the elections, two news were featured at the beginning of 1973. The first was the party change of Vice President Lloyd Bentsen, exchanging the Democratic party by AIP. The other news was to Bentsen's Senate seat, which was filled by the Governor of Texas itself, John Connally. Connally face a special election in 1974.
     
    1974 Senate Election
  • 1974 Senate Election


    In the 1974 election, 35 states choose their senators. 5 states controlled by AIP (including the special election in Texas), 14 controlled by Democrats and 16 by Republicans.

    Rockefeller had seen his popularity drop after failing to get a win in 1972, and his election in Congress will not improve his popularity. A slight increase happened when Rockefeller had announced the withdrawal of all troops in Vietnam. Despite this, the forecast was that the Republicans lost several seats.

    Contrary to Rockefeller and the Republicans the popularity of the Democratic Party (and Muskie) increased considerably after the defeat in Congress and even more after Lloyd Bentsen have migrated to AIP.

    One of the most watched election day was the Special Election in Texas to occupy the seat of Lloyd Bentsen. Former Texas Governor John Connally had nominated himself for the Bentsen term. Despite the popularity of Connally, the act was seen as opportunistic and displeased the public. The Republican candidate was popular Congressman George H. W. Bush. The Democratic candidate was Barefoot Sanders.

    The polls showed a tight race between the three candidates, with Sanders always a few points down, but Connally and Bush exchanging the lead several times. Research the day before the election showed a tie with Bush slightly ahead. The result, however, was different, getting a last minute turn Connally won, becoming the first Governor self-appointed to the Senate since Happy Chandler in 1939 to win a full term.

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    In Kentucky Governor Wendell H. Ford ran for the Senate, always leading the research on Senator Marlow Cook and former Governor Happy Chandler. It was an easy race and Ford won without problems, with Chandler getting more than 20% of the vote.

    In Missouri former Governor Warren E. Hearnes ran against Senator Thomas B. Curtis. After a difficult campaign, Hearnes finally won with 1% lead over Curtis.

    In Utah Senator Wallace F. Bennett decided to retire. Months before the mayor of Salt Lake City Jake Garn caused great surprise to migrate to the AIP. Eat dropout Bennett, Garn appeared leading in all polls for the Senate. Both Republicans and Democrats were concerned about a victory of AIP outside the South. Hearing the call of the party, Bennett reconsidered and decided to seek reelection. In the end, Bennett was re-elected with the AIP getting his first big result outside the South.

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    In New Hampshire the Governor and former Senator Thomas J. McIntyre decided to run for the vacancy left by the retirement of Norris Cotton. Although research indicates a tie with Louis C. Wyman throughout the campaign, McIntyre won with 4% advantage.

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    In the end the Democrats won 5 seats and AIP 2. In general, the Democrats were left with 47 seats, Republicans 39 and AIP 14.

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    1974 House of Representatives Election
  • 1974 House of Representatives Election


    The specialists predicted that the 1974 election would bring losses to the Republicans, with Democrats becoming the largest party in the House, but with less than 200 seats. The specialists were right.

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    Democrats made important gains in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and California. Republicans made small gains in Maine, Minnesota and Texas. The AIP has made gains in several Southern states.

    The most interesting result of the night was the election of the first Congressman of AIP in California, the Hollywood star Clint Eastwood. During campaign Eastwood distanced itself from the segregationist and racist image of the party, trying to be as conservative viable alternative to the two major parties. Eastwood won with almost 40% of the vote.

    In the end, the Democrats got 196 seats, the Republicans 167 and AIP 72. The Democrats were far 22 seats of a majority.

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    1974 Gubernatorial Election
  • 1974 Gubernatorial Election


    In 1974 the governors of 35 states would be chosen. 15 states controlled by Republicans, 15 by Democrats and 5 by AIP.

    In Texas the 1974 election was historic. The deputy governor Ben Ramsey, who had taken over after Connally go to the Senate, was not popular enough, and always came third in the polls. The Republican Alan Steelman and Democrat Preston Smith appeared tied in the polls. On election day, Steelman won. The first Republican governor of Texas in exactly 100 years.

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    In Tennessee the election was a close three-way race, with all tied in the polls. Considered a key election, Wallace and other important members of the AIP invested a lot in this race. The AIP candidate Lamar Alexander was gradually moving away from the other candidates, and on election day won with 37%.

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    In South Carolina the AIP Congressman Floyd Spence won the election to succeed Albert Watson. In Georgia, after the change of the Constitution, Phillip Landrum won re-election.

    In California Governor Ronald Reagan was persuaded to seek a third term to prevent the victory of Jerry Brown. The polls indicated Democrats victories in other states and Republicans feared losing California. Despite being considered the favorite, Reagan faced a difficult election and won by less than 2%.

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    In Michigan the former Vice-President George W. Romney won the election for Governor of Michigan to succeed his wife, Lenore Romney. In New York Governor Arthur Goldberg got a tight re-election.

    In the end, the Democrats obtained a net gain of 4 states. In total Democrats now controlled 29 states, Republicans 13 and AIP 8 states.

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    1975 Gubernatorial Election
  • 1975 Gubernatorial Election


    In Election of 1975 three states choose their governors, two controlled by AIP and one by the Democrats. It expected no difficulty for the parties to stay in power this year.

    In Louisiana Felix Edward Hébert won an easy reelection. In Mississippi John Bell Williams won a new election with more than 50%, replacing Ross Barnett. The only surprise came from Kentucky

    In Kentucky the former Governor Wendell H. Ford was elected to the Senate in the previous year. Vice Governor Julian Carroll won a full term without difficulty. The news came from the second in the election, former Governor Happy Chandler got more votes than Bob Gable for the Republicans.

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    In the end the numbers of each party remained the same, with the Democrats controlling 29 states, Republicans 13 and AIP 8.

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    1976 Republican Party Presidential Candidates
  • 1976 Republican Party Presidential Candidates


    After a Primary with no disputes in 1972, speculation began to emerge for candidates in 1976. The Vice-President George Romney was considered a natural candidate, even more after their loss in Congress. The Governor of California Ronald Reagan was expected to ran again after winning a third term. The candidacies of former Vice President Richard Nixon, Governor of Ohio Jim Rhodes, the Republican leader in the House Gerald Ford, former Governor Spiro Agnew, Senator Louie B. Nunn and Senator Charles Mathias, were also commented by experts.

    The first to launch his candidacy was the Governor of California, which appeared soon leading in the polls. Ronald Reagan already sought the Republican nomination in 1968 and lost. After winning a third term as governor, Reagan hoped to succeed Rockefeller as president.

    The next to announce his candidacy was Spiro Agnew, the governor of two terms in Maryland had become popular in the state. It was expected to launch a bid for the Senate when one of Maryland Senators retired. Agnew appeared fourth in the polls after Reagan, Romney and Nixon.

    The next to comment was Richard Nixon. The nominated in 1960 and candidate in 1968 declared that he would run for president in 1976. Instead declared his race to face re-election of Senator John V. Tunney.

    Days after Nixon's announcement the unexpected announcement of the candidacy of Senator Margaret Chase Smith shook research showing her in a good fourth place.

    The expected Romney's candidacy announcement came on the White House lawn with President Nelson Rockefeller at his side. Although the President not comment, all interpreted this act as a Rockefeller support the candidacy of his former vice.

    The next day after Romney, Gerald Ford declared his intention to run the presidency. Although currently have missed this post, Ford was still remembered as the Speaker who had returned to the Republican position of the largest party of the House in 1968.

    The last to announce his candidacy was Senator Louie B. Nunn Kentucky. Senator expected to appeal to the South and face the advance of AIP.

    After all the candidates are declared, the polls showed the following numbers:

    Republican National Poll: December 5, 1975
    Ronald Reagan 26%
    George W. Romney 25%
    Spiro Agnew 15%
    Gerald Ford 8%
    Margaret Chase Smith 8%
    Louie B. Nunn 5%
    Undecided 13%

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