Interview with John H. Kerr, Jr., June 20, 1984
Project: John Sherman Cooper Oral History Project
Interview Summary
Kerr begins the interview by talking of his work in Kentucky Republican politics, mainly in Fayette County. Kerr's role in Cooper's 1954 Senatorial campaign is discussed. Kerr considers Cooper's popularity in Fayette County. Kerr describes the political situation in Fayette County during the 1950s. Additionally, Kerr recalls his role in several 1956 campaigns, including those of Cooper, Morton, and Eisenhower (all within Fayette County). The interviewee details the factions within the Kentucky Democrats during the 1950s. Cooper's 1956 and 1960 Senatorial campaigns are examined. Kerr's position as a field representative for Thruston Morton in Eastern Kentucky during the 1960s is recalled. Kerr describes Kentucky Republican factions and how Cooper was able to be popular throughout Kentucky. Cooper's role in campaigning for Goldwater in 1964 is briefly mentioned. Kerr's work in Kentucky Republican politics in the 1960s is explored. Cooper's involvement in the 1968 Senatorial campaign of Marlow Webster Cook is illustrated. Kerr provides his opinion on why Cooper did not want to run for governor in 1971. Kerr talks of the staffs of Morton and Cooper, respectively. Kerr discusses his position as Kentucky Republican Party Chairman in the 1960s. The evolution of Cooper's political philosophy over time is considered. Kerr recalls Republican National Conventions he has attended. Morton and Cooper in presidential politics are evaluated. The interviewee offers his opinion on which counties in Kentucky have the strongest local Republican organizations. Cooper and Morton's successes in western Kentucky are highlighted. Kerr's role as both city and county chairman in Fayette County is remembered. To conclude the interview, Kerr considers the political future of Kentucky and who he views to be good Kentucky Republicans.Interview Accession
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Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.Restriction
Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.
All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.
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Kerr, John H., Jr. Interview by Richard C. Smoot. 20 Jun. 1984. Lexington, KY: Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.
Kerr, J.H., Jr. (1984, June 20). Interview by R. C. Smoot. John Sherman Cooper Oral History Project. Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries, Lexington.
Kerr, John H., Jr., interview by Richard C. Smoot. June 20, 1984, John Sherman Cooper Oral History Project, Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.
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