Interview with Edward F. Prichard, Jr., August 8, 1984

Interview Summary

Prichard begins the interview by recalling his earliest memories of Cooper in politics. Prichard reflects upon Cooper's Senatorial campaigns in 1946, 1948, and 1952, respectively. Cooper's campaign style is examined. Prichard also describes Cooper as a Republican and where he falls on the political spectrum within the party. Additionally, Cooper's 1954 Senatorial campaign is discussed. Prichard reflects upon the contentious nature of the 1955 Kentucky Democratic gubernatorial primary. Prichard offers his opinion of Happy Chandler. Prichard details the dynamics found in Kentucky politics in 1956. Cooper's 1956 Senatorial campaign is also mentioned. Prichard compares Cooper to Thruston Morton, focusing on differences between their political beliefs and styles. President Eisenhower's 1956 visit to Lexington, Kentucky is briefly discussed. The 1959 Kentucky governor's race is explored. Prichard remembers Cooper's 1960 Senatorial campaign. Prichard discusses Cooper's popularity in Kentucky, as well as his friendship with John F. Kennedy. Prichard assesses the importance of several interest groups in Kentucky politics and their views of Cooper. The dynamics between Cooper and Alben Barkley are also mentioned. Prichard provides his opinion on Cooper's 1956 Senatorial campaign finance practices. Cooper's political philosophy is characterized. Prichard evaluates how well Cooper worked with Kentucky governors as a Senator. Prichard recalls the split that arose between Kentucky Republicans over the combative 1967 gubernatorial primary between Louie Nunn and Marlow Webster Cook. Additionally, the 1962 Senate race between Thruston Morton and Wilson Wyatt is considered. Prichard also talks of Cooper's final Senatorial campaign in 1966. Prichard explains how well he got along with Kentucky governors over the years. Cooper's influence in the Senate is evaluated. Prichard compares Cooper to other Senators and weighs his overall contributions to the state of Kentucky. To conclude the interview, Prichard contrasts the party organizations of the Kentucky Democrats and the Kentucky Republicans and how these differences account for the lack of success for Republicans in the state.

Interview Keyword

John Sherman Cooper Senate Senators 1946 Senatorial campaign 1939 Republican gubernatorial primary 1948 Senatorial campaign 1952 Senatorial campaign Republicans 1954 Senatorial campaign 1955 Kentucky gubernatorial election Albert "Happy" Chandler 1956 Senatorial campaign Thruston Morton Dwight Eisenhower 1959 Kentucky gubernatorial election 1960 Senatorial campaign John F. Kennedy Interest groups Alben Barkley Campaign finance 1967 Kentucky Republican gubernatorial primary Louie Nunn Henry Ward Marlow Webster Cook Wilson Wyatt 1967 Kentucky gubernatorial election Ned Breathitt Bert Combs Influence Kentucky Democratic Party Kentucky Republican Party

Interview LC Subject

Cooper, John Sherman, 1901-1991 Politicians Politicians--United States Politics and government Prichard, E. F. (Edward Fretwell)--Interviews Prichard, E. F., (Edward Fretwell). United States--Politics and government Washington (D.C.) Kentucky Kentuckians Popularity Industries Governors Religion Anti-Catholicism Organization

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.