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This file contains:
1968 National Convention, Miami Florida, Nixon-for-President Committee booklet, proposing a plan for operations while at the convention. (cont. in folder 36:21). 36 of 87 pages. [Report], 11/1/1967
Checklist for convention activities, with attached note from Chapin. 5 pages. [Report], 4/5/1968
Haldeman handwritten notes re: Timmons and the Convention planning. 2 pages. [Other Document], n.d.
Memo from Timmons to Haldeman et al re: on-site inspection and convention planning session April 19th. 1 page. [Memo], 3/9/1968
Memo from Timmons to Haldeman et al re: on-site inspection and convention planning session April 19th. 1 page. [Memo], 3/14/1968
Miami Convention Strategy. 1 page [Report], n.d.
Miami Convention facilities. 1 page [Report], n.d
Miami Convention Security. 1 page [Report], n.d.
Miami Convention Planning. 1 page [Report], n.d.
Miami Convention Communications. 1 page [Report], n.d.
Memo from Timmons to Mike Thompson re: securing closed circuit TV spots in Florida. 1 page. [Memo], 2/21/1968
Memo from Timmons to John Davies re: convention floor telephones, with attached resolution. 2 page. [Memo], 2/28/1968
Miami convention daily calendar of events. 1 page. [Report], n.d.
Memo from Timmons to Stans re: Convention Advertising. 1 page. [Memo], 3/13/1968
Memo from Timmons to Ellsworth re: Progress report on convention planning. 4 pages. [Memo], 1/1/1968
memo from Timmons to Haldeman re: RNC arrangement committee meeting. 3 pages. [Memo], 1/16/1968
Memo from Timmons to Haldeman re: Convention Arrangements. 1 page. [Memo], 2/28/1968
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26126985
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WHSF: Returned, 36-21
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1
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26126985
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document
title
WHSF: Returned, 36-21
description
This file contains:
1968 National Convention, Miami Florida, Nixon-for-President Committee booklet, proposing a plan for operations while at the convention. (cont. in folder 36:21). 36 of 87 pages. [Report], 11/1/1967
Checklist for convention activities, with attached note from Chapin. 5 pages. [Report], 4/5/1968
Haldeman handwritten notes re: Timmons and the Convention planning. 2 pages. [Other Document], n.d.
Memo from Timmons to Haldeman et al re: on-site inspection and convention planning session April 19th. 1 page. [Memo], 3/9/1968
Memo from Timmons to Haldeman et al re: on-site inspection and convention planning session April 19th. 1 page. [Memo], 3/14/1968
Miami Convention Strategy. 1 page [Report], n.d.
Miami Convention facilities. 1 page [Report], n.d
Miami Convention Security. 1 page [Report], n.d.
Miami Convention Planning. 1 page [Report], n.d.
Miami Convention Communications. 1 page [Report], n.d.
Memo from Timmons to Mike Thompson re: securing closed circuit TV spots in Florida. 1 page. [Memo], 2/21/1968
Memo from Timmons to John Davies re: convention floor telephones, with attached resolution. 2 page. [Memo], 2/28/1968
Miami convention daily calendar of events. 1 page. [Report], n.d.
Memo from Timmons to Stans re: Convention Advertising. 1 page. [Memo], 3/13/1968
Memo from Timmons to Ellsworth re: Progress report on convention planning. 4 pages. [Memo], 1/1/1968
memo from Timmons to Haldeman re: RNC arrangement committee meeting. 3 pages. [Memo], 1/16/1968
Memo from Timmons to Haldeman re: Convention Arrangements. 1 page. [Memo], 2/28/1968
citationUrl
collections
Richard M. Nixon's Returned Materials Collection
Returned White House Special Files
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1
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26126985
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ocrText
Richard Nixon Presidential Library
White House Special Files Collection
Folder List
Box Number
Folder Number
Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
36
21
11/01/1967
Report
1968 National Convention, Miami Florida,
Nixon-for-President Committee booklet,
proposing a plan for operations while at the
convention. (cont. in folder 36:21). 36 of 87
pages.
36
21
04/05/1968
Report
Checklist for convention activities, with
attached note from Chapin. 5 pages.
36
21
n.d.
Other Document
Haldeman handwritten notes re: Timmons
and the Convention planning. 2 pages.
36
21
03/09/1968
Memo
Memo from Timmons to Haldeman et al re:
on-site inspection and convention planning
session April 19th. 1 page.
36
21
03/14/1968
Memo
Memo from Timmons to Haldeman et al re:
on-site inspection and convention planning
session April 19th. 1 page.
36
21
n.d.
Report
Miami Convention Strategy. 1 page
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Page 1 of 3
Box Number Folder Number Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
36
21
n.d
Report
Miami Convention facilities. 1 page
36
21
n.d.
Report
Miami Convention Security. 1 page
36
21
n.d.
Report
Miami Convention Planning. 1 page
36
21
n.d.
Report
Miami Convention Communications. 1 page
36
21
02/21/1968
Memo
Memo from Timmons to Mike Thompson re:
securing closed circuit TV spots in Florida. 1
page.
36
21
02/28/1968
Memo
Memo from Timmons to John Davies re:
convention floor telephones, with attached
resolution. 2 page.
36
21
n.d.
Report
Miami convention daily calendar of events. 1
page.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Page 2 of 3
Box Number
Folder Number
Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
36
21
03/13/1968
Memo
Memo from Timmons to Stans re:
Convention Advertising. 1 page.
36
21
01/01/1968
Memo
Memo from Timmons to Ellsworth re:
Progress report on convention planning. 4
pages.
36
21
01/16/1968
Memo
memo from Timmons to Haldeman re: RNC
arrangement committee meeting. 3 pages.
36
21
02/28/1968
Memo
Memo from Timmons to Haldeman re:
Convention Arrangements. 1 page.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Page 3 of 3
Guest permit
NIXON-FOR-PRESIDENT COMMITTEE
(Green) Badge to be worn
by guests to campaign
V.I.P. GUEST PERMIT
headquarters
Henry Bellonn
campaign manager
Nixonette
NIXON-FOR-PRESIDENT COMMITTEE
This is to certify that
(White) Badge to be worn
by hospitality girls and
JANE DOE
honor guards.
is an official NIXONETTE
Henry Bellmon
campign manager
COMMUNICATIONS
RADIO
Since the Nixon committee will occupy the top
floors of the Plaza Hotel, a special antennea
should be crected for short-wave radio communi-
they?
cations. The convention hall alreadv has good
radio reception facilities. There will need to
be secured IS high-frequency radios, with 10
mile radius capability. Applications will have
to be made to the FCC for permits. Crystals
should be changed dailv. Motorola and General
Electric Corporations manufacture good equipment
in this field. Special "scramblers" should be
available for private broadcasting.
Assignments:
1. Master transmitter and Receiver at Headquarters
with patch-in facility for telephones.
2. Master transmitter and Receiver at Command Post
with patch-in facility for telephones.
3. Advance team
4. Intelligence Group
5. Intelligence Group
6. Intelligence Group
7. Intelligence Group
8. Floor Manager
9. New England Regional Director
10. Mid-Atlantic Regional Director
12. Southern Regional Director
13. Midwest Regional Director
14. Heartland Regional Director
15. Rocky Mountain Regional Director
16. West Coast Regional Director
CARS
The following individuals will have the use of 15
radio-telephone automobiles:
1. Richard Nixon
2. Advance Team
3. Intelligence Group
4. Intelligence Group
5. Intelligence Group
6. Intelligence Group
7. New England Regional Director
8. Mid-Atlantic Regional Director
9. Southern Regional Director
10. Midwest Regional Director
11. Rocky Mountain Regional Director
12. West Coast Regional Director
13. General Headquarters Use (Bellmon, Ellsworth, etc.)
14. Floor Manager
15. Heartland Regional Director
TELEPHONES
At the Statler-Hilton Plaza, a 20-line PBX
should be installed. Special scramblers
should be available to code communications.
Assignments:
1. Richard Nixon - direct line to PBX
2. Command Post - direct line to PBX
3. Command Post - direct line to PBX
4. Henry Bellmon - with one extension for sec'v
5. Bob Ellsworth - with one extension for sec'v
6. John Sears - with one extension for sec'y
7. Intelligence - with one extension for sec'y
8. Research
9. Press Aide - with one extension for sec'v
10. Newsletter Aide
11. Transportation
12. Advance Team
13. Locator
14. Regional Coordinator - New England
15. Regional Coordinator - Mid-Atlantic
16. Regional Coordinator - South
17. Regional Coordinator - Heartland
18. Regional Coordinator - Midwest
19. Regional Coordinator - Rocky Mountain
20. Regional Coordinator - West
(In addition, staff will have the use of the
regular hotel phones)
At the off-floor command post, a 25-line facility
should be installed, each tied in to a master
console where any line may be dialed or all called
simultaneously. A patch unit should be included
to permit telephoners to use the radio system.
Assignments: (all closed circuit direct lines
except #4)
1. Command Post (can patch to anv Hdas phone)
2. Command Post (can patch to any Hdas phone)
3. Floor Leader
4. General use outside line
5.
How 5.7.8.19
6. New England - through regional coordinator
7.
8.
3
9. Mid-Atlantic - through regional coordinator
10.
11
12. South - through regional coordinator
13.
14
15. Midwest - through regional coordinator
16.
17
18. Heartland - through regional coordinator
19
20.
21 Rocky Mountain - through regional coordinator
22.
23.
24. West Coast - through regional coordinator
25.
BELLBOYS
The telephone company rents pocket bellbov units
which "beep" what when a special number is dialed.
And
Those receiving a signal know to call in on a
pre-designated telephone number for messages.
There should be 75 bellboys for the Miami
operation.
TELEVISION
There should be two complete closed circuit
television systems, one for the Headquarters
and the other for the Command Post.
At the Headquarters, we will need three fixed
cameras directly connected to three receiving
sets:
Assignments:
1. camera - at staff sign-out board
2. camera - at regional director locator chart
3. camera - at chart showing whereabouts of
opposition
1. receiving set - Richard Nixon
2. receiving set - Henrv Bellmon
3. receiving set - Bob Ellsworth
At the convention hall, we will need two cameras
on the floor directly connected to two large
screen receiving sets at the master console.
1. camera - on right of convention hall with
cameraman
2. camera - on left of convention hall with
cameraman
1. receiving set for camera #1
2. receiving set for camera #2
(Generally, one camera will be trained on the
podium while the other focuses on the delegates
for reaction)
NOTE: All lines for telephones and television equipment
should be labeled "ABC NEWS" to prevent the
opposition from cutting or monitoring them.
COMMUNICATIONS
RADIO
TELEPHONES
8
PENTHOUSE
3 walkie
outside line
talkies for
outside line
Advance men
5 walkie talkies
mm
for Security
15 radio
cars
(direct closed line
22 headnuarters stations
8 radios
Directors
5 radios
HEADOUARTERS
Communications
25 outside lines
RADIO MASTER
1 radio
& PBX
Manager
?
direct closed lines
outside line
outside line
TELEPHONE
CONTROL
outside line
8 radios
Directors
COMMAND POST
24 closed lines to
key delegates
RADIO & TELE
5 radios
PHONE CON-
Communications
SOLE
closed to Floor
Leader
1 radio
closed to Podium
Asst Floor Leader
our
-
1 205
TYPICAL LANAI FLOOR PLAN
24
25
2c
.
22
RADID
P8x
PENTMOUSE
2:
20
19
18
17
14
12
09
83
20 LINES
COMMAND
POST
TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN
HDQS.
E
TELEPHONES (20 lines, 25 units)
COMMUNICATIONS
RADIOS
N
S
THE
Statler HILTON PLAZA
W
ON THE OCEAN AT 54th STREET MIAMI BEACH. FLORIDA 33140 PHONE (305) 864-1561
need to set up plan for
traing diview + a aispata cans
TRANSPORTATION
+ control system for pool
There should be a Director of Transportation whose
responsibility it is to secure and service 100 automobiles,
with drivers, several panel trucks and a dozen buses.
7
Each Nixon State Chairman will be assigned a car with
driver, as will the candidate and his personal staff, headquarters
personnel and key delegates and VIPs. The Miami Host Committee
can probably provide as many as 50 cars on loan from supporters
in Florida and another 50 will have to be rented or donated
from friendly automobile dealers. Suggest Pat Hillings of
Ford Motor Co be contacted for assistance. Regular drivers
will be recruited from the Host Committee, Youth for Nixon
Division, and college age supporters.
It is suggested that an arrangement be made with several
Miami Beach service stations to honor Nixon Driver ID cards for
gas, oil and washing.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday before the Convention, the
Transportation Director should lease two buses with drivers,
appropriately decorated, for free travel for delegates from the
Miami Intemational Airport to the Beach hotels. Also, he should
know the flights of all Nixon State Chairmen, Regional Directors,
staff and VIPs in order to have their assigned cars at the airport
for them.
Buses can be used to shuttle delegates between their hotels
and the convention hall. A separate arrangement should be made
to shuttle Youth for Nixon supporters to and from their hotel in
Miami to the Beach, should this be necessary.
Car Assignments
1. limousine: Richard Nixon and family
2. limousine: Chief of Staff and Personal Team
3. limousine: John Whitaker and Advance Team
4. limousine: National Campaign Manager
5. limousine: Headquarters Director
6. limousine: Convention Floor Leader
7. limousine: Maurice Stans and VIPs
8. limousine: Chairman of the Persuasion Committee
9. car: Persuasion Committee
10. car: Persuasion Committee
11. car: Intelligence Group
12. car: Intelligence Group
13. car: Intelligence Group
14. car: Intelligence Group
15. car: Intelligence Group
16. car: Press Director
17. car: New England Regional Coordinator
18. car: Mid-Atlantic Regional Doordinator
19. car: Border Regional Coordinator
20. car: Southern Regional Coordinator
21. car: Midwest Regional Coordinator
22. car: Heartland Regional Coordinator
23. car: Rocky Mountain Regional Coordinator
24. car: Far West Regional Coordinator
25. car: New England Regional Director
26. car: Mid-Atlantic Regional Director
27. car: Border Regional Director
28. car: Southern Regional Director
29. car: Midwest Regional Director
30. car: Heartland Regional Director
31. car: Rocky Mountain Regional Director
32. car: Far West Regional Director
33-49 (17 cars) : Motor Pool for staff use
50-100: Nixon State Chairmen
NOTE: Motor scooters may be rented for use by Nixon messengers.
advance men
INTELLIGENCE GROUP
It is proposed that a special division be created
for the Miami Convention to secure continuing intelligence
about activities of the opposition candidates, (Romney,
Rockefeller, Percy, Reagan) vice presidential possibilities
and Republican opinion molders (Hall, Lindsay, Brownell,
etc.). Recommend a minimum of / key Nixon supporters be
assigned this task. Working with them should be hired
investigators from the Florida based Wackenhut Corporation.
They will have three radio equipped automobiles at
their disposal and four short-wave radios. Moreover, thev
will utilize zoom boom listening devices on the convention
floor to eavesdrop on delegate conversations and have
frequency finders to listen in on radio communications.
They will utilize the latest in electronic equipment in
efforts to gather strategic intelligence and report all
pertinent data to the campaign manager.
Upon assignment, the Intelligence Group will be
responsible for harrassing the opposition and creating
confusion and dissention in their ranks. (examples:
locking Romney in the elevator; jamming his radios, cutting
his telephones, putting sand in his car's gas tank; turning
off the air conditioning and turning up the heat in the
Romney headquarters, etc. etc.).
ADVANCE TEAM
too many
A five member Advance Team will be responsible
for moving Richard Nixon about Miami Beach safely and
expeditiously. The group will be familiar with all
hotels, roads and convention facilities.
They will also assist Dale Grubb in protecting
the person of the candidate. The Advance Team will
be assigned one short-wave radio and have a radio
equipped limousine at their disposal (there will be
two other radio limousines in the official party group). .
In addition, the Advance Team may be called on to
bring Republican leaders and key delegates to the
Statler Hilton Plaza for private meetings with Mr. Nixon.
use motor pool
RECEPTIONS
One key staff member should assume responsibility
for special Nixon Receptions during convention week.
There should be a party for the press, a special "Nixon
Night" and a victory celebration. The purpose of Nixon
Night is to entertain Republican delegates, let them
meet the candidate, and provide a "band wagon" effect
for the campaign. Timing of the event will be subject
to firming up of the convention session schedule.
The Congressional Gala is scheduled for Sunday
night, and traditionally there is a convention session
Monday night for the keynote address. Since nominations
are on Wednesday, Tuesday evening would probably be the
best time for such a Nixon Night reception. However,
if the credentials, rules and platform (planned for
Tuesday) carry through into the eventing, attendance
would be light. Best time: 5-7 p.m.
don't
commit
Recommend this reception be held at the American
RN
Scene Auditorium at the Plaza Hotel, which is capable
of handling 2,500 persons. A good band should be secured
for convention atmosphere music, appropriate decorations
made, bars set up, and a prestige receiving line with
Mr. and Mrs. Nixon. It would be impossible to have a
speech with SO many people milling around, but several
"We Want Nixon" cheers could probably be arranged for
publicity purposes. Good organization would make "Nixon
Night" a favorite event for delegates.
The preceeding week (before most delegates arrive)
Mr. Nixon should entertain the press at a similar reception.
- 2 -
The same location would seem suitable.
The final party should be planned for Wednesday
evening after the nomination. It will be a victorv cele-
bration for everybody with appropriate enthusiasm for
such an occasion. A larger facility should be rented (to
hold 5,000 people).
There maybe a possiblity to hire the Jackie Gleason
band and June Taylor dancers for the receptions since
his program will originate at the Statler Hilton Plaza.
However, the new television season doesn't start until
September so the troupe may not be in Miami in early August.
The Nixon Committee should also explore the advantage of
having a special tea for Pat Nixon in which all the female
delegates and alternates are invited. Certainly, the ladies
should get to know Mrs. Nixon and the tea would appear to be
beneficial. Also, the occasion can be used to pass out "PAT FOR
FIRST LADY" buttons.
Nilesser
FLOOR DEMONSTRATION
One of. the most important events of the convention
will be the Nixon Floor Demonstration. One key man
should be assigned this responsibility, and he will need
hundreds of volunteers to help in making it a success.
In addition to Miami area Nixon boosters, many college
Republicans would be available to assist. Moreover,
recommend that one strong Nixon delegation be given
responsibility for creating the enthusiasm on the Floor.
Nixon buttons, a variety of hand carried signs,
balloons, a marching band, streamers, confetti,
electronic counting board, hats, noise-makers, etc.
will have to be arranged.
The Director of the Floor Demonstration should
secure the services of a to-notch convention promoter
to assist in making the Nixon Floor Demonstration
successful.
Consideration should also be given to printing
hundreds of counterfeit floor passes for Nixon supporters
to have access to the gallery. Pro-Nixon sergeant-at-arms
and doorkeepers should arrange assignment for one pre-
designated entry point and open the doors for Nixon
demonstrators.
The Nixon Committee should retain the services of
a Miami sign painter to prepare special event signs,
such as "IDAH" WANTS NIXON", "BAMA BACKS DICK", etc.
also
NEWSLETTER & DISTRIBUTION
CGO amage for
One staff writer should be responsible for the
daily publication of a special convention "NIXON NEWS-
LETTER." This should be prepared every evening to contain
a wrap up of the day's activities, outlining the next
day's agenda - all aimed toward building up a bandwagon
support among delegates (example" "NIXON WITHIN 100 VOTES
OF VICTORY" " NIXON PREDICTS FIRST BALLOT WIN:" etc)
Many of the pictures and copy can be prepared well in
advance of the convention, saving front page and lead
items to last minute news. An off-set printer will be
rented and available in the Plaza Headquarters. Stencils
containing copy can be typed by the clerical force, and the
Newsletter printed, folded, and carried down the service
elevator to the truck loading platform. The two Nixon
sound trucks (see advertising section) can be used to
transport the Newsletter to the various hotels.
A special Distribution Team should be organized
among Miami area volunteers, Young Republicans, Nixonettes
and interested delegates and alternates. At a pre-
designated time, they will pick up copies of the Nixon
Newsletter at their assigned hotel and hand carry them
to every delegate and alternate's hotel door. In addition
to the Nixon Newsletter, the Distribution Team will be
responsible for delivering free copies of favorable
newspapers (possibilities: Wall Street Journ St. Louis
Globe-Democrat, Christian Science Monitor, Chicago Tribune)
to the delegates and alternates since the Miami newspapers
- 2 -
will probably not be favorable to Mr. Nixon's candidacy.
Arrangements will have to be made with the selected news-
papers for air delivery to Miami.
NIXONETTES
One attractive, personable and intelligent lady from
the Miami area should be responsible for organizing a
special group of Nixonettes. The 100 girls will wear
special Nixon dresses and provide an elite honor guard
for the candidate's public appearances. They can also
hand out buttons, signs, bumper stickers and brochures,
as well as act as hostesses for the receptions and in the
various Hospitality Suites.
Nixonettes can help staff the headquarters, greet
VIPs, provide information service at the Miami airport,
secure hotels and room numbers for all delegates and alternates,
work in the press room, and assist in distributing the official
daily Nixon Newsletter. They can also provide color for the
Floor Demonstration.
Several of the automobiles assigned for general Headquarters
use will be available for transporting Nixonettes. Since they
will be volunteers, the only expense to the campaign will be for
the 100 specially designed dresses. One headquarters room will
be assigned to the Director of the Nixonettes for organizing
activities.
Consideration should also be given the possibility of
setting up a Nixon Information Center at the Atlanta Airport,
staffed with Georgia Nixonettes. Many flights to Miami connect
at Atlanta.
ADVERTISING
Promotional advertising may not win many votes, but
without the enthusiasm it creates many delegates will think
the campaign is losing ground. On the following pages
there are campaign items which should be considered; some
are for general circulation while others are for specific
distribution.
Because the press and his opponents try to project
Mr. Nixon as a cold, calculating politican, it is imperative
that the campaign organization through the advertising
medium correct this unfortunate impression. The familiar
name "Dick" should be used in place of the more formal
"Richard" - and even the "R.N." has its appeal. The
e
Nixon emblem, alrady recognizable, with its bright red,
white and blue, should be used to the maximum. It is
a modern and youthful symbol, some say depicting the rise,
fall and rise of Mr. Nixon's career.
Above all, the Nixon campaign in Miami must appear
happy and joyous, confident of eventual victory. Hundreds
of young volunteers should be recruited to assist in
building the lighthearted atmosphere surrounding the
campaign. Convention goers expect adventure, and we
must give them their excitement.
This does not mean the candidate himself should ever
stoop to foolishness or frivolity.
The Director of Advertising should coordinate with
the Floor Domonstration Manager to assist in supplving
hats, buttons, signs, noisemakers, etc.
- 3 -
Smaller signs, similar in style and content to the
outdoor billboards, should be printed and affixed to the
walls throughout the hotels in Miami Beach.
There should be two minibuses or panel trucks with
painted decorations and sound equipment to broadcast Nixon
messages or play Nixon theme music. This can probably be
secured from the Florida Nixon-for-President Committee
and later used throughout their campaign. In addition
to building enthusiasm these trucks can be used to carry
material to the hotels for the Distribution Team to
circulate.
Consideration should be given to hiring a pilot
and small plane to pass over the Beach frequently with a
"WIN WITH DICK" sign trailing.
A special projector with magnifying device can be
rented to throw a big "NIXON" on hotel buildings and
the convention hall at night. This is particularly
effective in adding a touch of glamour to the campaign.
It is hoped that the airlines servicing Miami will
cooperate to permit stewardesses to wear Nixon buttons
and pass out literature on flights to Miami. This will
impress delegates with suberb organization.
It'is felt that the usual supply of gimmicks will
be necessary for distribution to the delegates, and some
of them are listed on the following pages.
a
a
WELCOME
200 two inch buttons
5,000 one inch
for state Nixon chair-
buttons for
men and key men
general distributio
Z
5,000 small gold
"N" buttons for
general distribution
PAT
FOR
1st LADY
10
I
11
5,000 1 1/2 inch buttons
150 one Inch
for distribution to
sterling silver
ladies
"White House"
pins for secret
recognition
win
with
R.N.
5,000 1 ¹/2 inch long
gold buttons for
special distribution
on Nixon Night
Nixon
for
President
10,000 matchbooks
xon
100 summer weight cord
blazers with "N" patch
2,000 men's
skimmer hats
2,000 ladies hair bows
100 men's ties
100 specially designed
Nixonette uniforms
Nixon
5,000 give-away
Nixon pens
5,000 bumber stickers from Nixon Committee
)
MIN WITH DICKI
GOODYEAR
XXXX
V
0
Z
FLASHING MESSAGE
LIGHTS
MIAMI BEACH
CLOSED CIRUIT
TELEVISION
THE BLIMP
BOATS
ON BAY
1,000 9"X12" special N
flags for cars and floor
demonstration
500 each red, white
and blue balloons
for decorations and
floor demnstration
1,000 hand
signs for floor
demonstration
Nixon
1,000 noisemakers
for floor demon-
stration
Three information booths: Atlanta
and Miami Airports and Fountainebleau
Hotel
200 special car signs to be used
on 100 automobiles by Nixon staff
0
0
0
Two decorated sound trucks to be used for announcements
and to transport Nixon Newsletters to various hotels
Z-XOZ
THE PLAZA HILTON
J
TENTATIVE CALENDAR OUTLINE
July 20- Saturday holding party July
27:
Nixon campaign team checks in
Statler Hilton Plaza, Miami Beach
Fri 26. all phones set.
Sunday, July 28:
Staff briefing to outline campaign
July 29-Aug 5:
Platform Committee meets all week;
Nixon team refines operations
Fri Gyl n
Saturday, Aug 3:
Nixon Press Party at Plaza
Sunday, Aug 4:
Congressional Gala
Monday, Aug 5:
AM: Call to Order
Temporary Roll
Temporary Chairman
Temporary Rules
Addresses
PM: Keynote Speech
Tuesday, Aug 6:
Election of Permanent Chairman
Credentials Committee Report
Rules Committee Report
Adoption of Platform
PM: "Nixon Night" at Plaza Hotel
Wednesday, Aug 7:
Nominations and Election of
Presidential candidate
PM: Victory celebration at Plaza Hotel
Thursday, Aug 8:
Nixon meets with GOP Finance Committee
Nominations and Election of Vice
Presidential candidate
Acceptance speech by Vice President
Acceptance speech by President
Adjournment
Friday, Aug 9:
Nixon meets with new Republican
National Committee
Nixon meets with state chairmen and
state Nixon leaders
Nixon meets with candidates for
photographs, TV tapes and radio
Saturday, Aug 10:
Organize Nixon national campaign:
Nixon meets with key GOP leaders to
plan strategy, schedule, etc.
Sunday, Aug 11:
Clean up and check out
NOTE ON CALENDAR PLANNING:
Several weeks will lapse between the Republican
National Convention and the Democratic National Convention.
The GOP nominee will have command of the nation's attention
for a fortnight, and Miami Beach will provide a good setting
for organizing press releases for these following days. For
example, a working outline can be developed for a "National
Nixon Strategy Board" comprised of national leaders in the
Party.
Also, Mr. Nixon should set aside some time to have
still pictures and television video tapes made with GOP
candidates at the convention. This publicity could help
both Mr. Nixon and the local candidates.
Since most Party officials will be in Miami, it is
recommended that the candidate and his staff remain at
the Plaza Hotel for several days after adjournment to
hold high-level briefing sessions with key leaders.
Vote quotas, speech material, organizational personnel,
candidates' schedule, finances and local issue strategy
can be explored in detail with individual state leaders
as well as regional key Republicans. If briefing
sessions are decided upon, a great deal of pre-planning
will be necessary to make them successful.
BARE MINIMUM BUDGET
HOTEL ROOMS
$30,000
TRANSPORTATI ON
15,000
COMMUNI CATLONS
20,000 - 80,000
ADVERTI SING
30,000
RECEPTI & HOSPITALITY
25,000
75,000
SECURI & INTELLIGENCE
20,000
FLOOR DEMONSTRATION
10,000
COMMAND POST
15,000
NEWSLETTER & PRINTED MATERIALS
10,000
EQUIPMENT RENTALS
5,000
STAFF TRANSPORTATION TO CITY
10,000
MISCELLANEOUS
10,000
TOTAL
$200,000
350 min
+ 50 cont.
400-
NOTE: This budget is well under convert ion expenses
in previous campaigns. A quarter of a million
dollars will probably be the minimum to be
allocated to the Miami operations.
CONVENTION COMMITTEES
In late 1957 it appears that Governor Dan Evans will be the
convention keynote speaker and temporary chairman. There is also
reason to believe that Congressman Gerald Ford will be permanent
chairman of the convention. These positions, especially the latter,
are of immense importance to the Nixon effort. Therefore, Evans and
Ford should be "cultivated" by prominent pro-Nixon Republicans to
make certain that our team receives their fulest cooperation.
All convention committees have been appointed with the exception
of the platform writing Resolutions Committee. It is anticipated
that Senator Everett Dirksen will chair this important body. However,
it is reported that the Republican Coordinating Committee, working
through its Task Forces, will prepare a series of position papers
as guidelines for the planks of the platform. It would, of course,
be extremely difficult for the convention to reverse positions
taken by the Coordinating Committee.
Also of importance is the assurance that pro-Nixon Republicans
will be on the working staff of the Platform Committee. The committee
members outline the planks, but the staff prepares the language and
style for final approval.
It is recommended that one experienced member of the Nixon
team be assigned to coordinate his interests with the convention
committees. Mr. Bryce Harlow would seem ideal for this responsibility.
ADDENDUM TO CONVENTION COMMITTEE
A' the Republican Governors' Conference in Palm Beach
early in December, 1967, Nelson Rockefeller presented a
Governors' Policy Committee report with a recommendation
that the Governors hold hearings around the country in 1968
with a view to influencing the GOP platform. He also
suggested Governor Ray Shafer would make an excellent
platform co-Chairman. Governor James Rhodes later nominated
Shafer. It is believed a "co-Chairman" situation is unwork-
able, and our interest would seem best served if Shafer does
not receive this appointment. Also every effort should be
taken to force the Governors' hearings to be turned back
to the Coordinating Committee for final approval as the
only authorized policy making group, representing major
power centers within the Party.
CONVENTION COMMITTEES
Committee
Possible Nixon Contact
CALL
Joe Dukert, Maryland
CONTEST
Barbara Man, Texas
RESOLUTIONS
Everett Dirksen, Illinois
RULES
Bud Stewart, Oklahoma
ARRANGEMENTS
Mrs. Bailey, Vermont
Badges
John Tyler, Oklahoma
Concessions
A1 Fay, Texas
Decorations
Margie Braden, Arizona
Entertainment
George Abbott, Nevada
Housing
Mrs. Ginn, Missouri
Photographers
Tom Stagg, Louisiana
Press
Drake Edens, South Carolina
Program
G. Paul Jones, Georgia
Radio-TV
Mrs. Harden, Indiana
Tickets
Mrs. Stacy, Wyoming
Transportation
Mrs. Rogers, North Carolina
REPUBLICAN COORDINATING COMMITTEE
Ray C. Bliss, Chairman
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Barry Goldwater
Richard M. Nixon
Thomas Dewey
Alf Landon
Everett Dirksen, Leader
Thomas Kuchel, Whip
Bourke Hickenlooper, Policy
Margaret Smith, Conference Chairman
Milton Young, Conference Secretary
George Murphy, Campaign Chairman
Hugh Scott, Campaign Vice Chairman
Gerald Ford, Leader
Les Arends, Whip
John Rhodes, Policy
Mel Laird, Conference Chairman
Dick Poff, Conference Secretary
Bill Cramer, Conference Vice Chairman
H. Allen Smith, Rules
Charles Goodell, Planning & Research
Bob Wilson, Campaign Chairman
John Love, Colorado
George Romney, Michigan
Nelson Rockefeller, New York
Ray Shafer, Pennsylvania
John Volpe, Massachusetts
John Chaffee, Rhode Island
Nils Boe, South Dakota
Dan Evans, Washington
ALTERNATES: Ronald Reagan, California
Ted Agnew, Maryland
Tim Babcock, Montana
STAFF DIRECTOR: Robert McCormack, Research Division, RNC
DWIGHT L. CHAPIN
4/5/68
H
I'll let you follow through on this
----
I imagine there will be several
questions like this in the days ahead
----
who should they be sent to?
DLC
Aide to RICHARD NIXON
20 Broad Street, New York City
INTRODUCTION
1. Have talks with Clif White, Jim Day, Ron Crawford and Tom
Van Sickle taken place?
2. Do we have a realistic budget yet?
3. Have we confirmed hotel reservations for Statler Hilton with
Republican National Committee's housing committee?
4. Has office equipment for the headquarters been secured?
5. Has Gourmet Room at Statler Hilton been reserved?
6. Have arrangements been made to have the Palladium Room available
for news conferences during the convention?
7. Have arrangements been made for dormitory space at U. of Miami?
Has bus service been set up between campus and convention
operations?
8. Have five 1st floor suites been obtained in all delegate hotels?
Have arrangements been made to have these rooms supplied with
direct lines to the Plaza?
9. Has private home been rented close to Convention Hall for
confidential meetings?
10. Have arrangements been made for comprehensive accident and
liability insurance policy for Nixon Committee for 2 weeks
at Miami Beach?
11. Has health room at the hotel been approached to have owner close
it or keep it for private use during campaign?
12. Have arrangements been made so that elevator will not go to 17th
floor in the Plaza Hotel?
13. Do stairs from 17th floor go to penthouse?
COMMAND POST
1. Has written confirmation been made with Ray Bliss for trailers
next to convention hall?
2. Has security service been established?
-2-
ORGANIZATION - MIAMI HOST COMMITTEE
1. Has blue ribbon Host Committee foundation taken place?
2. Has contact been made with: a. Mike Thompson
b. State GOP Committeemen and Women
C. Young Republican Chairman &
Women's Federation Club president
d. Jim Skidmore and Jaycees
3. Has Jack Sherwood been contacted to check background on. these
people?
4. Have subcommittees of Host Committee been organized and chairmen
selected?
5. Has bank account for committee been established?
6. Have downtown headquarters been organized?
7. Have appropriate people been established?
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
1. Have car arrangements been made?
2. Have regional directors' hotel suites in delegates' hotels been
secured? Have arrangements for direct private lines to these
suites been made?
PERSUASION COMMITTEE
Has it been formed and appropriate arrangements for rooms,
transportation and accommodations made?
SECURITY
1. Hotel? Convention site? Trailer?
2. What key staff man will hande security?
3. Have Miami police been contacted for assigning plain-clothes man
to Mr. Nixon and for other arrangements?
-3-
COMMUNICATIONS (undergoing revision)
TRANSPORTATION
1. Director of Transportation?
2. Who is receiving cars and drivers? Have arrangements been made?
3. Can Host Committee provide cars?
4. Has Pat Hillings been contacted for car availability?
5. Have arrangements been made with filling stations for honoring
Nixon ID for gas, oil, etc.
6. Have buses for Youth for Nixon and delegate transportation been
secured?
INTELLIGENCE GROUP
1. Who is being assigned to this group?
2. Have arrangements for their cars and equipment been made?
RECEPTION
1. Who will be in charge of this function?
2. Has American Scene or other suitable auditorium been made
available for Nixon night reception?
3. Have arrangements been made for a press reception the week
preceding convention week?
4. Has facility been secured for Wednesday evening victory
celebration?
5. Has anyone contacted Jackie Gleason for reception entertainment?
6. Have arrangements been made for Pat Nixon tea for female delegates?
-4-
FLOOR DEMONSTRATION
Has professional coordinator been selected?
NEWSLETTER & DISTRIBUTION
1. Has writer been chosen?
2. Has offset printer been secured?
3. Have arrangements been made for securing out-of-town newspapers
favorable to Nixon candidacy?
NIXONETTES
1. Has organizer from Miami area been selected?
2. Have dresses for girls been designed and ordered?
3. Have arrangements been made for Atlanta Nixon information center
at the airport?
ADVERTISING
1. Has director of advertising in Miami been selected?
2. Have orders and plans been made for necessary materials?
ckTimums
Timinous Convention
Question present status of apr. 20 mtg
undustand mitchell vetood
we should probly go ahead - but:
eliminate Host Comm. party - Comm. not set
4
Fla State to - inter paty battles
" ribbon cutty - This Net right group
cut group down to:
Timmons-Haldernan- Edilichman Whitaker-Dovin
+
can we start Sat eve instead of Fir ?
Flauigan
Ed Stack - our Nchmn=
doesn't agree - butdoesn't Bebe want to fight in
mike stack Thompson- want him musin, fined - Mt Bob L fee don't t want to support every him
Bebe doesn't thinkmature
thisis enteried in other party fight
M- - Ellsworth tried to work it out w/ M
Terninous Augg compressive -
Timmons
Convention
Odd people - phose rooms?
my problem on tring
-
may be postport a week or two?
problem of access to Hillon rooms etc.
Celebrites- for receptions, atc.
security man- compaign/convention
Post convention retreat RN+ staff. three balance of August
Flaxigan- rooms at Hilton?
re budget- - don't set low Con't -
if we if don't win -conniner can pick up tab as concern
if we do win- no problem
problem of RR flying delegates
young people's reception - Tresh Julie
NIXON'S THE ONE!
NIXON FOR PRESIDENT COMMITTEE,
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS,
1726 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W., WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006 (202) 783-4201
15
OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN
John mitchell
MEMO TO:
Bob Ellsworth
-Pete Flaugan
John Sears
Bob Haldeman
Lin Holton
Reg.
Brder
Nott.
John Ehilishman
John Davies
Dick Kleindienst
Reg
Org.
Jarry Highy
Brad Hays Req-50.
Clark MacGregor
mevat
-
sched
? Durght Chapin
John Whitaker
Don Jackson way
Pat Hillings
,
radio security guy
INFO TO:
Mike Thompson
Bebe Rebyo
FROM:
Bill Timmons
other regionals )
DATE:
March 9, 1968
Flamigue Evans
We have made plans for an on-site inspection of the
facilities at Miami Beach, a detailed briefing of con-
vention procedures and a question and answer session for
Saturday and Sunday, April 20 and 21. Most of us plan to
arrive during the afternoon of Friday, April 19, and will
stay at our convention hotel, Hilton Plaza.
If you can join us for this working session please
let me know as soon as possible. Each individual will
be responsible for making his own transportation arrange-
ments, but I will reserve suitable accommodations and
handle the logistics of the meeting.
Budget details
MEMO TO:
Bob Ellsworth
John Sears
Bob Haldeman
John Davies
Lin Holton
Dick Kleindienst
Brad Hays
Clark MacGregor
John Whitaker
Don Jackson
Pat Hillings
INFORMATION: Mike Thompson
FROM:
Bill Timmons
DATE:
March 14, 1968
Please refer to my memo of March 9th regarding our
Miami Beach trip, April 19, 20, and 21.
from Hilton
Because of the Easter holidays and Spring vacations,
the Hilton Plaza Hotel cannot accommodate our party. We
do, however, have reservations at the Montmartre (three
blocks north of the Plaza). We have six double rooms for
the nights of Friday, April 19, and Saturday, April 20.
This assumes we will arrive sometime Friday and leave Sunday.
We will have to "double up" in the rooms.
I will forward to you a detailed agenda as soon as
it is firm. Tentatively, we will inspect the Plaza Hotel,
Convention Hall and other facilities on Saturday morning
and spend the afternoon with personnel from the John Long
Advertising Agency. At this time there will be a presen-
tation of the draft convention plan, with questions and
answers. Saturday evening we hope to arrange a cocktail
party with members of the Miami Nixon Host Committee and
certain Republican leaders. Sunday, we will have a critique.
Please let me know your travel plans as soon as pos-
sible so I can arrange airport transportation.
Frinite - Miami Host
Sat AM- Hilton Tow
B.T.
Fortainsthean
convention Hall
Ribbon Cutting atHQ - noon
lench in town
Sat eve Fla state leadership
agency meeting
Sum - org in AM - adjown
3505
Strategy
buddy system
strong delegate pained toa weak one
told to contacteach other once a week during June
stayed together in SF- often shand rooms
ate together travelled impairs
structure
each delegation had two G men
inside man- took direct instructions from regional dir.
outside man- kept tabs on all G delegates
reported each delegates arrival to mark
master card file on delegates
name, detailed bio, record of arrival
6 regional directors
based in trailer during sessions
each with fully equipped position
headsets- TV over head to floor-
Telephone & radio to his states
assistant sat behind each
staff lawger-complate expect on selection of delegates law
Roger allan moore from Boston
1
TFW 1960
K. - 40 floor managers- - name cards on each delegate
Ribicoff + Bobby directed the 40
Facilities
3505
Headquarters. 55 foot trailer antside Cow Palace
Suite at Mark- end of couidn
press wom + TVstudio at opposite end
Telephone switchbound & gear off same couidor
locator boards
all key staff notified always of where abouts
Closed circuit TV on boards to top form stall
transportation
busses for each delegation chartered
flest of autons with radios
trailer
glass frosted panel one end - whites console
along wall three booths separated by glass pauls
2 men in each - lines to region floor men
delegate chart on wall -for vote projections - girl to past
adding machine
TV sets (3 for all nets ?)
TFW 1960
Kennedy command pat- 4rm suite at Biltmore
Bobby - K ODonnell- Prine - O'Buin
tabulating run on newt floor- for reports re: changes in delegates
new total new every how on the home
staff meeting at command post every AM at 9:00
Security
1964
3505
Charlie Ban in change
volunteers with tape recorders t Alaroids
Cars with 2-way radio to trailer
stationed at entrances, approaches parking lot + trailer
blocked elevatn exits on HQ flon
had to walk up from floor below
guard at stains to screen entry - badges
Convention Planming
3505
may 24- final RNC mating to complete all arrangements
chief doorkeeper - controls flow of spectations to galleries
Cut Richardsm- NR- NY YR leader
segarent-at arms - maintains order on convention floor
Bn Carta mentral
ant. sergeautat arms
Sandy Lanker. NR. personal staff
chief page
mike Gill - mamies nephew
Reynote speaker temporary chairman
mark Hatfield - NR
permanent chairman
Thruston morton - neutral
June 30 - white to S.F. two weeks the opening july 13
april 11- Jim Day based at mark until convention
Convention Communications
1964
3505
apr 11- - meeting at phone Co. in S.F. with Nicholas Volcheff
with Jim Day & Dear Burch
Day stayed on in S.F.
charted location of each deligation
strategic points in gallery
access routes
at hotels - every room and counder mapped
Headquarters trailer at low Palace +2 to suit so word delay. hotels
2 duest phone lines to mark - candidate & smite & stagg HQ.
30 PLs: 17 to floor managers on convention floor in deleg.
one button on console reached all phones
others to switchboard at mark + G posts at other laters
radio network - to walkie 16 talkies in cow Palace
and to fleet of cano and buses
overcamejamming by autenna under wof of Cow Blace
bought commercial radio time as precaution
one room at each delegation hotel with dereit live to Cwar mark
phone system tied lite amplifer a HQ's -soall can hear
K cottage commandport - directives to key delegations m flon TFW
1960
light 2-way walkie talkin for regional floor men
FOR PRESIDENT COMMITTEE,
NAL HEADQUARTERS,
PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W., WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006 (202) 783-4201
MEMO TO: Mike Thompson
FROM:
Bill Timmons
DATE:
February 28, 1968
SUBJECT: Closed Circuit TV
Can you contact Dick T. Hollands, General Manager of the
South Florida Closed Circuit Television System, to request that
he hold, without commitment, one-minute spots every half hour on
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday on either channel 8 or 9
until April 15th which will be "Go Day" for convention arrangements.
(after the first two primaries)
I understand this will cost the Nixon Committee in the
neighborhood of $1,800.00.
You might also tell Mr. Hollands that we will be unable to
utilize the exclusive channel 11 because of budget limitations.
is
FOR PRESIDENT COMMITTEE,
NAL HEADQUARTERS,
PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W., WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006 (202) 783-4201
MEMO TO: John Davies
FROM:
Bill Timmons
DATE:
February 28, 1968
SUBJECT:
Convention floor telephones
Last week the Republican National Convention Arrangements
Committee met and passed the enclosed resolution regarding floor
phones. While our Committee apparently will be permitted only
ten separate telephones, the fact of the matter is that pro-Nixon
favorite son delegations can be persuaded to turn over their
allotment to us. Therefore, I recommend no change in current
plans.
As I understand it, the one phone permitted each state
will be connected to a convention switchboard. While the PBX
operation is not of value to our "secret" communications, perhaps
our trailer should have a line or two plugged in to it in case
we needed a delegate we could not reach through our programmed
24 lines (3 phones X 8 regions).
CC: Bob Haldeman
1988 Com.
2/22/68
RESOLUTION RELATING TO TELEPHONES
ON THE FLOOR OF THE CONVENTION
RESOLVED that each candidate for president be
permitted to install, at his own expense, direct telephone
connunication to the floor with such delegations which con-
sent du writing to such telephone installations but not to
exceed ten (10) in number for any one candidate.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that each delegation to
the Convention be permitted to install, at its OWN expense,
one telephone in its delegate seating area for general
communication purposes.
Convention
Outsider
RNPersonal
DNReg org
RV Staff
AM
Mon
PM Opening
sinte
trailer
Nite
Cong. Gola
Gala
Gala
bala
Commer Plat
and
Thes
Weds
Nominatrons Pres
Thus
Ballot Presid
Nom UP
acreptance Spar
Fri
MEMO TO: Maurice Stans
FROM:
Bill Timmons
DATE:
March 13, 1968
SUBJECT: Convention Advertising
>There are 250 taxicabs authorized to do business on Miami
Beach (pick up passengers) and each has a 17 X 44 rear deck signboard
for display advertising. This space is normally committed year round
by national businesses, but we have an opportunity to rent 100 of
these for the period July 15 - August 15 at $20.00 each or $2,000
total. These signboards provide an excellent exposure vehicle for
the candidate since many delegates and alternates will be using cabs
on
on the Beach. I have placed a tentative hold/them pending a deposit
of $750.00.
Will you please draw a check for $750.00 made paable to
"Transportation Advertising of Florida, Inc. " and mail to our Miami
contact: Mr. Mike Thompson, John Long Advertising Agency, 20 S.E. 8th
Street, Miami Florida. Thanks so much.
BT.
CC: Mr. Len Garment
Mr. Bob Haldeman
NIXON FOR PRESIDENT COMMITTEE, NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, 1726 PENNSYLVANIA AVE. N. W., WASHINGTON D. C., (202) 783-4201 PLEASE REPLY TO: P. O. BOX 2500, WASHINGTON D. C. 20013
MEMO TO: Bob Ellsworth
FROM:
Bill Timmons
DATE:
January 4, 1968
SUBJECT: Progress Report on Convention Planning
In order to keep you posted on the status of planning for
the 1968 Republican National Convention, the following is submitted:
MIAMI LIAISON: It is imperative that the Nixon for President
Committee have a trusted, dependable Miami resident assume the re-
sponsibility for pre-convention logistics. This includes the creation
of a blue-ribbon Host Comnittee, signing up volunteers, looking after
our housing and transportation affairs, raising money, cultivating
favorable publicity, and the thousands of other details necessary
for a successful convention. As you know, Mike Gill turned down
the offer you made. I have had several conversations with Mike
Thompson, 1966 Miami GOP congressional candidate, who expects
prows
to be a candidate for the U.S. House this year. He is a most
attractive individual who knows nearly everybody in the Dade County
area. He is currently Governor Kirk's Washington representative
but will resign effective February 15th. He has agreed to work
full time for us through the convention at $1,000 a month plus
authorized expenses. I believe we couldn't do better than Mike
and urge approval of his contract.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: The Nixon for President Committee has
reserved and committed the top three floors (35 rooms each) and
2 status
two penthouse apartments (two bedrooms each). The third penthouse
belongs to Mr. Harry Singer, the resident owner of the Statler-Hilton
Plaza. In addition, Mr. Singer is holding two additional floors
RNC N of space
for our possible use. I promised to let him know in the Spring if
we would need them. In addition, I have asked Mike Thompson to
try to secure 1% of each major hotel's rooms as subheadquarters
and facilities for our regional directors who should be living
in the same hotel with the delegates.
TRANSPORTATION: When in Miami, I contacted several rent-a-car
agencies, and each can handle our requirements at a 10% discount.
I anticipate that we will need 100 cars for the convention week.
Fifty will have to be rented while the Host Committee will be able
to borrow another fifty from local residents. Pat Hillings of
Ford Motor Company has offered to help in this area, and Mike
Thompson knows the Lincoln dealer that furnished Mr. Nixon's
car when he spoke in Miami last year and believes he will again
make several automobiles available. Mike Thompson will be able
to rent sufficient buses for our operations.
MEMO TO: Bob Ellsworth
Page Two
FROM:
Bill Timmons
DATE:
January 4, 1958
COMMUNICATIONS: John Davies will supervise the telephone com-
munications and Ron Crawford will oversee the radios. Both went
with me to Miami recently to study the situation. Basically, we
plan multi-call consoles at both the Plaza headquarters and the
trailer command post but will require PBX operators only at the
former. The headquarters will have regular outside lines and a
number of private lines to subheadquarters and the command post.
The trailer will have several outside lines and private lines to
key delegates on the convention floor. We have a proposal from
Motorola for 40 two-way radios and 90 one-way pageboys. The
initial cost for the radios is too high and I contacted Mr. Lyn
Malvin
Kolsky, the Washington Vice President, and he understands our
situation and is calling Motorola's Chicago headquarters, to try
Ck(PF)
to provide the equipment at a reasonable rate. With both tele-
phone and radio communications systems, I am confident we will
have the best contact system ever.
ADVERTISING: Subject to your approval, we will place our
convention advertising through the John Long Advertising Agency
OK,
in Miami. John handled Mike Thompson's congressional account,
and Florida State Chairman Bill Murfin said he is the best
Republican agency in the area. This was confirmed by Dick
Smith, the Florida State GOP public relations director. Moreover,
he convinced me he is a solid and loyal Nixon supporter. He has
some good ideas about securing the Goodyear blimp, seeking free
billboard space from National Airlines, Eastern, etc around the
Miami airport, utilization of closed circuit television on Miami
Beach, and the many other promotional activities we will need.
PERSONNEL: As you know, I drafted 99 rough job descriptions
for staff activity during the convention week. Since our national
organization is in such a state of flux, it is impossible to try
Wait a
to assign specific duties to individuals. However, it is hoped
we will start trying to match talent with position so that each
Nixon booster will know exactly his responsibility and authority
for the Miami Beach drill.
Book
CONVENTION BOOK: The Convention, I prepared lists other
activities such as Newsletter, Nixonettes, Tentative Calendar,
Rough Budget, Parties and Receptions, Floor Demonstration,
Convention Intelligence Activity, Advance Operations and Security.
Little has been done on these subjects since priority has been
given to a Miami liaison man, hotel rooms, transportation, com-
munications and preliminary plans for advertising. However, I
do believe we should firm up these five priority items just as
soon as possible.
MEMO TO: Bob Ellsworth
Page Three
FROM:
Bill Timmons
DATE:
January 4, 1968
REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE: The RNC will meet in Washington at the
Hilton Hotel on February 23 and 24. However, on the 22nd the Convention
Arrangements Committee will meet to discuss a number of items of significance
to us: hotel accommodations, will telephones be permitted on the floor,
will trailers be authorized for candidates' command post, rules for
floor demonstrations, floor passes for campaign managers, etc. We should
who
contact pro-Nixon members of the Arrangements Committee and its sub-
?
committees to make certain our views and wishes prevail. Also of
covering
tremendous importance is the selection of Resolutions Committee chair-
man, Temporary Chairman and Keynoter, and Permanent Chairman. We must
make certain that these key Republicans are sympathetic "or neutral
to RN's candidacy.
The platform-writing Resolutions Committee will meet in Miami
a week before the convention convenes. An anti-Nixon platform would
seriously damage our campaign. Therefore, a concerted effort must be
made to assure that pro-Nixon delegates are assigned to this important
body. Of course, delegates haven't been selected as yet, but it's not
too early to start thinking about the problem.
Of interest in this general field is the proposal by the Re-
publican Governors' Association to hold a series of public hearings
around the country in early Spring to influence the Convention Reso-
lutions Committee. It is anticipated that Governor Rockefeller will
control these hearings and the results will reflect his thinking.
Therefore, an effort should be made to "turn in" this political
Drate Edens
tactic to the Coordinating Committee, which is representative of
all Party powers and is the only official policy-making group in
the GOP. It is believed we have a better vote on the Coordinating
Committee and may be able to stop or water down obnoxious proposals.
As a final matter, I believe we should cultivate members of the
Rules and Credentials Committees (especially the Contest Subcommittee)
with a view to influencing their vote should a fight develop in Miami
during sessions of the committees.
3.T.
SUMMARY CHECKLIST OF CONVENTION ACTIVITY
JANUARY
1. Firm up a Miami liaison man to work full time on details
2. Organize a Miami Host Committee of prominent citizens
wait
Treleaven
3. Develop, approve and commit for a comprehensive advertising program
4. Secure 1% of rooms in major Beach hotels housing delegates
may
FEBRUARY
final
5. Contract for telephone and radio services
later.
date?
T6. Develop Miami volunteer committees to show support
7. Get favorable Nixon decisions from Arrangements Committee
8. "Turn in" Governors hearings to Coordinating Committee
MARCH
9. Make certain pro-Nixon delegates are assigned to important committees
10. Make out list of 100 available Miami cars, buses & trucks
11. Assign convention job responsibilities to staff and volunteers
12. Work up realistic convention budget and have it approved
APRIL
13. Plan receptions, rallies & floor demonstration - June
14. Start building lists of delegates and alternates
15. Contract for convention security guards
16. Arrange for trailer, specially built for command post soonn
MAY
17. Develop complete program, including schedule, for convention
18. Deposit sufficient monies in Miami bank to handle expenses
19. Make tentative room assignments for staff & VIPs
20. Have key men make trip to Miami Beach for trial run
JUNE
18. Announce Nixon convention floor leader and assistant
19. Arrange for headquarters furniture and equipment, including printing pres
20. Print convention material and purchase promotional items
21. Schedule arrival dates and times for RN, staff and delegates
JULY
22. Advance Party moves to Miami to influence Platform Committee
23. Publicity and advertising build-up commences
24. All convention details are re-worked and polished
25. Staff & volunteers arrive last week of August before delegates
AUGUST
26. Republican National Convention
27. Briefing of state party leaders by nominee and staff
28. Clean up and Pay up
NIXON FOR PRESIDENT COMMITTEE, NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, 1726 PENNSYLVANIA AVE. N. W., WASHINGTON D.C., (202) 783-4201 PLEASE REPLY TO: O. BOX 2500, WASHINGTON D. C. 20013
OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN
MEMO TO:
Bob Haldeman
PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL
COPIES TO:
Bob Ellsworth
John Sears
FROM:
Bill Timmons
B.T.
DATE:
January 16, 1968
SUBJECT:
RNC Arrangement Committee Meeting
The Republican National Committee's Arrangements Committee
will meet in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, February 21st at the
Hilton Hotel. There have been a number of proposals offered,
and it is anticipated these will be considered at the meeting.
There follows a summary of some of the suggestions that
may come up:
1. PLATFORM CHAIRMAN: Senator Everett Dirksen seems to have
the inside track on this important position. However, the
Governors Association has recommended Governor Shafer as a
"Co-Chairman". OUR POSITION: As a practical matter, a Co-
Chairman is unworkable and politically it would hurt our candi-
date.
RECOMMENDATION: Quietly for Dirksen against any co-chairman.
2. KEYNOTER AND TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: The Governors Association
is lobbying for Governor Tom Evans for this position. Some
Senators and Republican leaders are recommending Senator Peter
Dominick for keynoter. OUR POSITION: Evans has demonstrated
no friendship for our candidate while Dominick would better
reflect our position at the convention. RECOMMENDATION: For
Dominick unless we get something from Evans. As a practical
matter, the Keynoter is the weakest of all convention officers
and might be an area in which we can "work a deal".
3. PERMANENT CHAIRMAN: There is speculation that Representative
Gerald Ford is interested in this most important job. OUR
POSITION: Gerry is from Romney's home state but has a reputation
of being fair and competent in the chair.
RECOMMENDATION:
For Ford.
4. ORDER: To maintain order on the convention floor, it has
been proposed that in 1968 there be no politically appointed
Assistant Doorkeepers or Assistant Sergeants-at-Arms and no
MEMO: Haldeman
page 2
January 16, 1968
"honorary" Doorkeepers or Sergeants-at-Arms. The idea has been
advanced that professional people in uniform should perform
these convention chores. In addition, it has been suggested
that there be only 15 pages, properly trained, and in uniform.
OUR POSITION: Frankly, this would make the convention more
orderly, but it could also work against our candidate who will
have broad based support among the Party regulars: Politically
appointed Doorkeepers, Sergeants-at-Arms and Pages from friendly
delegation can be helpful to our candidate. RECOMMENDATION:
Against changing personnel. but have
5. COMMUNICATIONS: There is a proposal to eliminate or reduce
the number of telephones between off-floor headquarters and
delegates on the floor. OUR POSITION: Again, this would
work against the candidate who has an early organization and
would help those draft candidates who cannot establish floor
communications before August. RECOMMENDATION: Against.
6. PROGRAMMING: It has also been suggested that honorary
speakers, special presentations, entertainers, etc. be drastically
reduced in 1968. OUR POSITION: A long, drawn-out convention
is to our disadvantage since it sets the scene for delegate
erosions, deadlocked convention, etc. RECOMMENDATION: Vote for.
7. PRESS ACCOMMODATIONS: Some have suggested relocating the
1,000 odd seats reserved for the working press from behind the
rostrum to another area because of the confusion it creates for
speakers and audience. OUR POSITION: Since we will probably
have a key man located in this section with press credentials
and a direct telephone to the command post to relay late
breaking information from the podium. RECOMMENDATION: Vote
against.
?
8. DEMONSTRATIONS: It has been suggested that floor demonstrations
be limited in time and restricted to delegates and alternates
only. OUR POSITION: This proposal works to our favor since
we anticipate having the strongest support among delegates.
Other candidates may have to pay demonstrators to work for them.
However, an amendment should be offered to permit at least one
agreed-upon-size marching band. RECOMMENDATION: For proposal
as amended.
MEMO: Haldeman
page 3
January 16, 1968
9. TICKETS: It has been proposed that the subcommittee on
tickets devise a plan to eliminate counterfeiting and "passing
around" of floor passes. OUR POSITION: If this could be worked
out it would benefit our candidate, however, we must be prepared
for all contingencies. However, a provision should be made for
floor passes for the campaign managers for each bona fide
candidate. RECOMMENDATION: For proposal an amended.
10. COMMAND POST: From an on-site inspection of the new
Miami Beach Convention Hall, it appears that there are no
rooms off the floor suitable for a command post. There will,
however, be a trailer compound outside the hall, behind the
rostrum. Mr. Bliss told me that the RNC hasn't decided who will
be permitted trailers as yet. OUR POSITION: We must have
approval of at least one 55' trailer for our command post, so
we can start planning its construction. RECOMMENDATION: Press
for approval. absolutely
FINAL NOTE: If there recommendations are adopted as best serving
our candidate's interests, we must contact our RNC friends early
and have them in turn talk to their friends, on the Arrangements
Committee and RNC. It is most important, however, that our
candidate or his organization not be associated for or against
any proposal publicly because a defeat by the RNC on any minor
point could be interpreted by the press as a major embarrassment
to our candidate.
N
NIXON FOR PRESIDENT COMMITTEE,
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS,
1726 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W., WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006 (202) 783-4201
MEMO TO: Bob Haldeman
FROM:
Bill Timmons
DATE:
February 28, 1968
SUBJECT:
Convention Arrangements
The following is a summary of action taken by the RNC Arrangements
Committee last week:
1) Each delegate will have a ticket for himself and one for a
guest; each alternate will have a ticket only for himself.
2) Each state delegation will be alloted gallery tickets based
on 4½ for each delegate with a penalty formula (1964 GOP vote, new
GOP governor, new GOP senator, etc.) For round figures, we might
multiply a state's number of delegates by three. I suggest we
contact pro-Nixon state delegations - as they are selected - to
request 10% of their tickets for the Nixon for President Committee.
3) Ray Bliss was given permission to appoint the Chief Page,
Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper. However, honorary patronage jobs
will be distributed on a ratio of one page, sgt-at-arms and doorkeeper
for every ten delegates or major fraction thereof.
4) Ray Bliss was given authority to appoint the Platform chairman
and every indication is that he will give the nod to Everett Dirksen
and mke Ray Shafer the subordinate "Co-Chairman." This is a signal
win for our side, I feel. Selection of the other convention officers
was deferred until the June 5th RNC meeting in Portland, Oregon.
5) A memo to John Davies regarding a telephone resolution is
attached.
Dick Kleindienst had a private conversation with Ray Bliss and his
close political advisor, Don Ross, regarding other items we are interested
in. Dick received a verbal agreement that our Committee could have two
trailers adjacent to the convention hall, that we would have up to ten
floor passes for our campaign managers, and that we would be permitted
a block of gallery tickets and passes to the convention committee
sessions. The number of passes and tickets have not yet been determined
and of course would be made available to other bona fide presidential
candidates.
B.T.