Interview with Robert M. Coleman, January 26, 1976

Project: Earle C. Clements Oral History Project

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Interview Summary

Robert Coleman begins the interview by recounting the praise that was given for Clements' and Wetherby's administrations, and then explains his own decision to leave a successful judgeship to become chairperson of the Public Service Commission. Coleman tells about a budget dispute between the REA (Rural Electrification Administration) and the private utility companies. Coleman confirms that Clements and Wetherby backed him in all he did, including the building of the East Kentucky REA generating plant. He states that Clements and Wetherby "did more to expand the REA electrifying of Kentucky than any other," going on to describe the implementation of the Rural Telephone Act (RTA). He then recalls some of his and Clements' resulting interactions with the Courier-Journal newspaper. Coleman commends Clements' involvement in the state park and highway programs. Coleman reflects on Clements' defeat in his 1956 re-election campaign for Senate, losing to Thruston Morton. He believes that the factions of the Democratic Party at the time were to blame for his loss, and gives Chandler credit for his skill at politics. On the topic of Clements' political philosophy, Coleman calls Clements a "middle of the road" politician, incredibly devoted to effective government.

Interview Accession

1976oh008_clem010

Interviewee Name

Robert M. Coleman

Interviewer Name

Terry L. Birdwhistell

Interview Date

1976-01-26

Interview Rights

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.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.

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Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.

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Coleman, Robert M. Interview by Terry L. Birdwhistell. 26 Jan. 1976. Lexington, KY: Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.

Coleman, R.M. (1976, January 26). Interview by T. L. Birdwhistell. Earle C. Clements Oral History Project. Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries, Lexington.

Coleman, Robert M., interview by Terry L. Birdwhistell. January 26, 1976, Earle C. Clements Oral History Project, Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.





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