John Glenn wins Ohio Senate Seat in 1964

Bomster

Banned
In 1964, at Robert Kennedy’s encouragement, John Glenn ran in the Ohio senatorial primary, running against Stephen Young for the Democratic nomination. However his promising campaign was cut short when in February Glenn suffered a head injury while trying to replace a mirror. He would drop out of the race upon hearing that his recovery would take a year. But what if Glenn didn’t suffer that injury? Could he have won that nomination and became an Ohio Senator in 1964?
 
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Probably. In 1970 he lost 49% to 51% and that was after his opponent outspent him 4:1 and Democrats said Glenn was a "hapless political rube", and one newspaper called him "the ultimate square".

It's hard to overestimate his popularity.
 

Bomster

Banned
Probably. In 1970 he lost 49% to 51% and that was after his opponent outspent him 4:1 and Democrats said Glenn was a "hapless political rube", and one newspaper called him "the ultimate square".

It's hard to overestimate his popularity.
That’s interesting, I hope to write a Robert Kennedy presidency timeline soon and I think John Glenn could have been an excellent choice for his VP, considering their close friendship and Glenn's ties to the Kennedys. What do you think?
 
That’s interesting, I hope to write a Robert Kennedy presidency timeline soon and I think John Glenn could have been an excellent choice for his VP, considering their close friendship and Glenn's ties to the Kennedys. What do you think?

Honestly I'm not sure. Assuming Bobby still runs for president in 1968 that would make both Glenn and Kennedy junior senators, and Glenn would still be extremely new to politics in general. Glenn would bring in a lot of votes but his inexperience could be a liability long term and would definitely be brought up in the party. I think he'd be considered but because of Kennedy's own lack of time in elected office they'd probably settle on an older congressman or governor as his running mate. Somebody who could help secure the nomination.
 

Bomster

Banned
Honestly I'm not sure. Assuming Bobby still runs for president in 1968 that would make both Glenn and Kennedy junior senators, and Glenn would still be extremely new to politics in general. Glenn would bring in a lot of votes but his inexperience could be a liability long term and would definitely be brought up in the party. I think he'd be considered but because of Kennedy's own lack of time in elected office they'd probably settle on an older congressman or governor as his running mate. Somebody who could help secure the nomination.
I think Bobby himself makes up for Glenn’s inexperience, considering that Bobby was not only a Senator but also the former Attorney General of the United States, the brother and closest advisor to a former president, as well as having served on many Senate Judiciary Commitees during the fifties.
 
Probably. In 1970 he lost 49% to 51% and that was after his opponent outspent him 4:1 and Democrats said Glenn was a "hapless political rube", and one newspaper called him "the ultimate square".

It's hard to overestimate his popularity.

Also, 1964 was a Democratic wave year thanks to Goldwater. As you pointed out he is very likely to be nominated, and pretty much certain to win in the fall especially when considering that a Democrat won that year anyway.
 
As I just posted on a similar thread, Glenn is not likely to be Kennedy's running mate. He had the star power, but he wasn't a popular speaker and he is a Northnerner like RFK. However, if elected to the Senate 10 years earlier Glenn might run for President against Nixon in 1972, or against Ford in '76.
 
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