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Convention Delegates - General
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Convention Delegates - General
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Richard B. Cheney Files
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The original documents are located in Box 16, folder "Convention Delegates - General" of
the Richard B. Cheney Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 16 of the Richard B. Cheney Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Law Offices of
Toxey Hall Smith, In.
WIGGINS, MAY 22 AS
PM;
1976
39577
Honorable Gerald R. Ford
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D. C. 20013
Tab B
Joxey Hall Smith, Jr.
LAWYER
P. O. DRAWER 8 PHONE 601-928-3222 WIGGINS, MISSISSIPPI 39577
CM
P. O. BOX 836 PHONE 601-875-3212 OCEAN SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI 39564
PLEASE REFER TO WIGGINS OFFICE
May 15, 1976
Honorable Gerald R. Ford
Afrech oregn Club
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D. C. 20013
Dear Mr. President:
As a delegate to the Republican National Convention I
I
respectfully request that you advise me of your position on the
following:
1. Do you now intend to retain Dr. Henry Kissinger as
Secretary of State?
2. Will you continue to oppose the present government
of Rhodesia under the circumstances now existing?
3. What is your position on the retention of control
and ownership of the Panama Canal by the United States?
4. Do you favor full recognition and "preferred nation"
treatment to Cuba, Russia and/or China?
5. Do you have any present preference as to your running
mate?
Please accept this inquiry in the spirit in which it is
sent. I am, at this point officially and personally not committed
to you or Mr. Reagan. I would like to know your position so I can
intelligently make a decision. I have posed similiar questions to
Mr. Reagan.
Thank you for your time. I remain,
Respectfully yours,
Toxey Hall Smith, Jr.
THSjr;ts
LIBRARY GERALD R. FORD
QUESTION #1
Do you now intend to retain Dr. Henry Kissinger as
Secretary of State?
Answer
The President believes that Secretary Kissinger has
done the job he is supposed to do ---- maintain the
peace. As long as the Secretary continues to success-
fully carry out the President's foreign policy directions,
he can remain as the Secretary of State.
We have been successful in the Middle East. We have con-
tinued to have a proper dialogue with the Soviet Union on
one hand, and the People's Republic of China on the other.
We are solidifying our foreign relations with countries
all over the world, most recently at the talks the Presi-
dent had this past weekend in Puerto Rico.
Basically, it is an affirmative, well-directed, constructive
foreign policy which has maintained America's military
strength and, at the same time, maintained peace.
GENALD FORD LIBRARY
QUESTION #2
Will you continue to oppose the present government
of Rhodesia under the circumstances now existing?
Answer
As you know, the President is now seeking a rapid
negotiated settlement in Rhodesia.
It is the American policy to support self-determination.
Support for majority rule has been the consistent policy
of several Administrations and reflects traditional
American values. This policy has had strong bipartisan
support -- and rather than inciting to violence, support
for majority rule is the one means to encourage peaceful
transition
Our support of majority rule carries with it insistence
on full protection of minority rights, and the President
will not endorse any developments in Rhodesia which do
not provide for such rights.
LIGRAMY GERALD FURD
QUESTION #3
What is your position on the retention of control and
ownership of the Panama Canal by the United States?
Answer
Through process of negotiation, we can avoid the use
of troops and enhance our ability to defend our interests
in the Canal.
Our interest in that area of the world involves maintaining
good relations with our 309 million Latin American friends,
operating, maintaining and defending the Canal. These
interests would be jeopardized if we broke off negotia-
tions.
The President's diplomatic approach to the Panama Canal
problem is the best way to protect American interests.
If diplomacy fails, the President will not hesitate to
use other means to protect U.S. interests -- including,
as a final resort, the use of military force.
GREATE FORD LIBRART
QUESTION #4
Do you favor full recognition and "preferred nation"
treatment to Cuba, Russia and/or China?
Answer
Cuba - The President has strongly stated his position
regarding the recognition of Cuba. He considers the
Castro regime to be aggressive and anti-freedom. Recent
Cuban intervention in the domestic affairs of other
nations such as their encouragement of the independence
movement in Puerto Rico and their massive involvement
in the Angola conflict, is unacceptable and precludes
an improvement in relations between the U.S. and Cuba.
The President has made it clear that no improvement in
U.S. relations with Cuba is possible as long as Cuba
pursues such interventionist policies.
Russia - The President uses the term "peace through
strength" to discuss our approach to the U.S. - Soviet
relationship -- not because there has been a change
in U.S. policy, but rather because he wants that policy
to be clearly understood.
In dealings with Russia, it is the President's policy
to move beyond an era of constant confrontation and
crises, to prevent Soviet expansionism and to develop
a more stable relationship based on restraint.
The President feels strongly that in our discussions
with the Soviets, the U.S. has not gotten the short
end of the deal. There is no give-away, no one-way
street. The President is pursuing this policy because
it is in our national interest to do so, and not out
of a fear of Russia. We are still the strongest nation
on the earth
and the President's efforts to limit
strategic arms safeguards our national security. Our
trade with Russia does not represent a give-away --
rather it benefits the U.S. in jobs and dollars.
China - The President has emphasized that our relationship
with Peking remains an important element of American
foreign policy. Through the constructive dialogue with
China, we are now able to strengthen opportunities for
cooperation and parallel action on many global issues.
Our relationship serves the interests of our two peoples
and contributes to the cause of a more stable world order.
GERALD FORD LIBRA
2
Regarding America's relations with Taiwan, the
President remains concerned for the well-being and
security of the people of Taiwan. He will maintain
active ties with Taiwan and will continue to assist
in normalizing relations between Taiwan and Mainland
China.
We must never forget that if the two largest Communist
nations, Russia and China, were to patch up their dif-
ferences, the U.S. would face a potential adversary with
a population of over 1.2 billion people.
FORDO & LIBRARY BERALD
QUESTION #5
Do you have any preference as to your running mate?
Answer
While the President has not yet announced his list of
potential running mates, he has a large potential of
excellent candidates to choose from, many of whom have
been named from time to time.
The President is keeping an open mind on the matter and,
with the cooperation of the Convention delegates, will
give careful consideration to a wide variety of fine
choices. His goal is to choose a running mate who could
assume the awesome responsibilities of the Presidency, and
who will help him win a GOP victory in November and serve
as an active partner in four years of accomplishment.
BERMLO FORD LIBRART
ACTION
TELEPHONE CALL
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 27, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DICK CHENEY
FROM:
MIKE DUVAL
SUBJECT:
CALL TO A DELEGATE
Jim Field and I recommend that you telephone Mr. Toxey
Hall Smith, Jr., a delegate from Mississippi. Mr. Smith
wrote the President, asking him for his position on five
questions. (See Tab A for the incoming letter.)
According to news reports, Smith has said, "Probably Reagan
is more popular here in Mississippi and would probably do
better against Carter than Ford."
Smith, an attorney, claims to be uncommitted, according to
the CBS report.
Jim and I both believe that it would be better for Smith
to receive a telephone call than a letter because of the
controversial nature of the questions he raises.
Also, he probably should receive the call from someone of
your position because he appears to have a very sensitive
ego.
Attached at Tab B are talking points for each of the questions
he raises.
CC: Jim Field with copy of attachments
FORD is LIBRARY
Tab A
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
donfill
June 29, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
MAX L. FRIEDERSDORF m.b.
SUBJECT:
Delegates
Representative Donald Clancy (R-OHIO) has suggested that the
PFC provide each friendly House and Senate Member with a
list of uncommited delegates, including telephone numbers
and brief biographical sketches.
Clancy believes Members may be acquainted with uncommited
delegates in other states through past associations. He
cited a former law school classmate whom he discovered
was an uncommited delegate. Clancy phoned the delegate
and believes he made an impression.
I suggest that such a project, if approved by the President,
be coordinated with Griffin and Michel.
check 2 approve in
with pick concept. Cheney.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
ORIGINAL RETIRED TO
SPECIAL DOCUMENTS FILE
EVANS-NOVAK POLITICAL REPORT
WHAT'S HAPPENING
WHO'S AHEAD
IN POLITICS TODAY
1750 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Room 1312
Washington, D.C. 20006
202-298-7850
July 7, 1976 - No. 262
To:
Our Subscribers
MAY
From: Evans-Novak
Neither President Gerald R. Ford nor ex-California Gov. Ronald Reagan has
managed a decisive stroke in their few-holds-barred battle for the Republican
Presidential nomination since our last Report. We find Mr. Ford ahead in our
delegate count by a scant 21 delegates. After the next two weekends, the Ford
margin may well be reduced to 17 delegates - but only 26 short of the nomination -
with approximately 68 uncommitted delegates left. This is all close enough for
nobody to be certain of anything, but our arithmetic leads us to conclude that
President Ford will be the probable winner.
Gov. Reagan's problem is that he has failed to make a breakthrough with
Northeast uncommitted delegates - and may not be able to make it. Mr. Ford
has not been all that successful in wooing delegates either, but he will get
the nomination if he can hang onto his New York and Pennsylvania delegates.
The one and only point of interest for the Democratic Convention is the
Vice-Presidential choice, which only ex-Georgia Gov. and soon-to-be Democratic
Presidential nominee Jimmy Carter knows, if indeed he does. Our feeling is
that the finalists in the Great Elimination Contest are Sens. Ed Muskie (Me.),
John Glenn (Ohio) and Frank Church (Ida.), with Walter Mondale (Minn.), Henry
Jackson (Wash.) and Adlai Stevenson III (I11.) trailing in that order.
GOP
Delegate Chase: Since our last Report, the delegates have fallen generally
as expected, with Ford doing a little better than anticipated in Minnesota but
Reagan cleaning up in Montana, Idaho and New Mexico. According to our count
(which, like all other counts, must allow for a margin of error), it looks as
follows going into the final two weekends of state conventions: Ford-1057,
Reagan-1036, Uncommitted-68, To Be Selected-98.
Of these 98 delegates still to be selected, here are the prospects:
North Dakota (18 delegates, July 8-9): There are the makings here of RR's
worst debacle west of the Mississippi since Kansas many months ago - at a time
when he can ill afford it. Everybody - the Reagan high command included - had
been thinking in terms of a 9-9 split, with the edge going 11-7 at most either
way. But now the Reagan forces feel that they have been misled by State Chairman
Allan Young, who they claim represented himself as a Reagan sympathizer but whom
they now regard as a Ford backer. Young's delegate slate, which was supposed
to be evenly split, is rated 12-6 Ford by some Reagan men and 14-4 by some
Fordians. Will the Reagan camp risk a 0-18 blanking by going to the convention
floor Thursday with their own slate? Ford insiders and Party Regulars think not.
If Reagan really does lose here, it will be the first unexpected Ford win in
some time and - in a game of ones and twos - could be important.
Colorado (31 delegates, July 10) Reagan already has six delegates and
has a good shot for the remaining 25 on Saturday. Ford is at best hoping for
Copyright © 1976 by the Evans-Novak Political Report Company
Issued every other week at $75 per year.
1) West Virginia - Despite Gov. Moore's claim of 23 of 28, a newspaper poll
three but is likely to be shut out.
directly after the visit showed only eight who would say they supported Ford
Utah (20 delegates, July 17): Previous Ford hopes for one delegate have
(though, we feel, he has 16).
just about disappeared. Probably 20-0 for RR.
2) Delaware - on the bus from Wilmington to Washington bringing all 17
Connecticut (35 delegates, July 17): The Regular slate is probably 35-0
delegates to visit the President, State Chairman Herman Brown - a fierce Ford
Ford. Two or three RR delegates could slip in, but the prospects are slim.
partisan - pleaded with the four uncommitted to give the President a nice
FORD
Reagan sweeps in Utah and Colorado, a Ford sweep in Connecticut and a
surprise. Not one would budge.
6 Ford edge in North Dakota would make the count 1104 to 1087 in Ford's
Unquestionably, the Ford campaign is far outdistancing RR in attention to
BERALD
fuvor with 68 delegates undecided. If this is the case, these are the states
uncommitted delegates, but it may be going too far, what with hour-long telephone
watch between mid-July and the August 16th convention opening:
calls from Cabinet members. At the PFC, there is the same mood that has prevailed
New York (154 delegates): Our count is 116-Ford, 20-Reagan, 18-undecided,
for months: lack of leadership, sheer confusion. Rumors of some high changes
but that may actually be a bit too modest for Ford and too strong for Reagan.
circulate but may mean nothing.
RR desperately needs some kind of breakthrough here, and we simply do not see
Reagan: We don't think he's been moving very well either, and neither do
where it is coming from. We went to the Suffolk County (Long Island) GOP fund
some of his key supporters. His TV speech last night, though impeccably deli-
raiser last week and talked to half the key group of seven uncommitted delegates.
vered, seemed a little flat to us and certainly did not accomplish what seems
Our conclusion: at least five and probably all seven will wind up in the Ford
indicated - a hard-hitting attack on the invincibility of Jimmy Carter. What
column within the next two weeks.
RR has to do is somehow indicate that he, not GRF, can beat Carter. He surely
New Jersey (67. delegates): Tremendous pressure buffeting Sen. Clifford
cannot do it by the polls. His only hope is to come across as the scourge of
Case the past two weeks to get him to commit as many as possible of the officially
the Democrats, which he surely did not do last night.
uncommitted delegates to Ford, but he has refused to budge on the theory that
Connally: Ex-Treasury Sec. John Connally is panting for the Vice-Presidency,
moving now would not enhance the President's position of a minimum of 60 dele-
and is making no real effort to conceal it. He was a smash at the Suffolk County
gates (with five for Reagan and two genuinely uncommitted). We see no real
fund raiser last week and County Chairman Buzz Schwenk has now given him a
chance of RR picking up more than seven at a maximum.
Northern V.P. outpost. But Connally can't go after the job. If Ford wins and
Pennsylvania (103 delegates): We call it 87-Ford, 7-Reagan, 9-undecided.
Reagan refuses the slot, then Connally would instantly become the odds-on Veep-
If RR can move into those undecided, it will be a major plus. But we have our
choice. But would RR say no? Both Ford insiders and Reagan backers in California
doubts.
(including Holmes Tuttle) privately see Reagan accepting. But if he did say no,
Mississippi (30 delegates): After a recent reporting trip here, we feel
he could still have a powerful voice in the final selection because almost half
a little more confident in talking about this confused situation. We are now
the delegates will demand it. Connally's assets are formidable - a counterpoint
certain that the unit rule will not hold for RR, and that Ford will get four
to Carter in the South; an adrenalin-raising stump speaker who might partly
or possibly five delegates. There are about 20 sure Reagan delegates, meaning
compensate for Ford's suffocating boredom; a probable winner in Texas. His
that there will be a battle for the other five or six. Our guess is RR 25-5.
liabilities are also obvious - Watergate, Nixonism, turncoat Democrat.
But it could go better for GRF.
Convention: Tempers are continuing to rise on both sides and nothing is
Illinois (101 delegates): This big delegation has pretty much broken down
absolutely certain. Threats by Ford-men to raise credentials issues against
to a hard 82-16 for Ford, with only three uncommitted delegates, who could be
Reagan look like threats, not action. But if the Ford managers do go that
important.
route, Reagan will retaliate with every procedural device at hand. Lyn Nofziger
West Virginia (28 delegates): Nobody, including the President Ford Commit-
is already running a good diversionary operation in Kansas City, hitting at
tee, takes seriously Gov. Arch Moore's claim of 23 Ford delegates. The hard
Ford favoritism in the convention machinery.
count today is 16-8 Ford with four undecided, who could go either way.
Another Reagan possibility, but highly remote in our opinion, is to break
Delaware (17 delegates): A big uncommitted proportion on a per capita basis.
state law and hold back delegates bound to Ford for a ballot or two. North
We call it 13-1 Ford, with three uncommitted. All three are leaning toward
Carolina is the key state, where Ford's 25 delegates (won in the primary) were
Reagan today, but all could end up with Ford.
handpicked by RR leader Sen. Jesse Helms for their Reagan commitment. To block
South Carolina (36 delegates): Like Mississippi, the scene of fierce
this tactic, Ford-men passed a resolution at the National Committee meeting
infighting. We call it 5-Ford, 27-Reagan, 4-uncommitted. Harry Dent is working
last week recommending to the convention the adoption of a new rule requiring
hard for Ford, but Gov. James Edwards is RR's bulwark.
all delegates to stick to their own state law in voting for Presidential nominees.
Wyoming (17 delegates): We don't know there all the talk of uncommitted
delegates came from in the alleged "blackmail" on the minerals lease bill. The
DEMOCRATS
best bet is 14-Reagan with the others split 2-uncommitted, 1-Ford.
Unless RR has delegates squirreled away that nobody knows about (and since
Vice-President: Based on a trip to Atlanta and conversations with Carter
they haven't been exposed 80 far, we doubt their existence), we think he is
insiders there and in Washington, here is our assessment of the possibilities
going to have trouble with this crop of uncommitteds and come up short. But in
(bearing in mind that we don't know, his aides don't know, and very possibly
a race this tight, firm predictions are ridiculous. Even the rival managers,
JC doesn't know who it will be) in rough order of probability:
in private at least, are cautious these days.
Muskie: On paper, he has all the virtues - experienced, well-known, old
Ford: His one-on-one delegate haranguing isn't doing all that much good.
enough not to be a contender for future office and, therefore, for present
A delegate uncommitted this long isn't going to swoon in the presence of the
headlines, ethnic, Northeastern, Catholic, well-respected. But inside the Carter
Oval Office. We offer two examples, both from the first two delegations - West
camp, it is felt that he is something less than the sum of these parts. There
Virginia and Delaware - to be invited in en masse.
are worries about his temperment, irrascibility and stability.
Glenn: His greatest asset is his contribution to carrying Ohio and the
fact that he would lose no appreciable amount of votes. On domestic issues,
he is probably more conservative than Carter and the most conservative of the
lot but he does not scare liberals. He would not be a risk to preempt attention
from JC (as, indeed, none of those being considered would). Apart from construc-
tion labor opposition, his position on the common situs picketing bill has
earned him no great enemies in Big Labor. His problems are that intellectuals
and Brahmin journalists would turn down their noses at a Carter-Glenn ticket.
Church: He's not Carter's cup of tea, but he would go over very well at
the convention and with the public, which apparently liked his Intelligence
Committee performance. We doubt that Carter wants him, but there are no specific
negatives.
Mondale: We get the idea that Carter doesn't care for him, and some of
his insiders feel that Mr. Busing is too heavy a burden to bear. The fact that
he decided against running for President seems to bother Carter.
Stevenson: He's a pretty cold fish and does not seem as bright at first
glance as he really is. We find his prospects pretty remote but not as remote
as
Jackson: Ironically, he is very well thought of by both Carter and his
senior adviser, Charles Kirbo. But younger Carter aides object on grounds that
1) Scoop is ponderous and turns off the electorate, and 2) He alone among all
the V.P. possibilities could scare off the Party's Left Wing, giving some
substance to ex-Minnesota Sen. Eugene McCarthy's independent Presidential move-
ment, which is attempting to get ballot position in 45 states.
Carter: Despite disavowals of overconfidence, we find supreme - and
certainly understandable - confidence in the Carter camp. His insiders, however,
may err in feeling that his vulnerability is in the Northeast when, in fact, we
cannot see any GOP prospects there right now. There may be a little too much
sensitivity to the McCarthy threat.
The present plan is for Carter to come over with a series of substantive
positions, both in speeches and TV commercials. But we have the strong feeling
that the shape of the Carter Administration is still very much in flux. We
don't believe he really knows which way he is going on defense and foreign
policy and how far Left he intends to take the country on domestic policy. Don't
count on the general election being any more revealing than the primaries.
Outside Atlanta, talk is growing, and not just among Republicans, that JC
may not be all that much a sure thing in November. He has not come through the
post-primary period totally unscathed: 1) His refusal to take up the women's
fight at the National Committee meeting infuriated them, and his refusal to stop
a strong pro-quota drive by blacks may backfire when the Party realizes its full
implications; 2) The lack of positions on major issues is becoming legendary,
but to correct this he risks losing major voting blocs; 3) We hear more talk
about JC's tendency to belittle staffers and other Democratic leaders, and it
is hurting him.
Rolard Erna
Roht D. Nords
This Report is copyrighted and prepared for the confidential information of our clients.
Reproduction or quotation without specific permission is prohibited.
President Ford Committee
1828 L STREET, N.W., SUITE 250, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036 (202) 457-6400
July 28, 1976
COLO.
LA.
MEETING WITH BILL ARMSTRONG AND DAVID TREEN
Wednesday, July 28, 1976
9:35 a.m.
The Oval Office
FROM: JAMES A.
SKIP WATTS BAKER SIN
I. PURPOSE
To gain public support of these two prominent uncommitted delegates
to the National Convention.
II. BACKGROUND, PARTICIPANTS, AND PRESS PLAN
A. Background: Congressman Armstrong was elected uncommitted
delegate from his own 5th District with strong support from
Ford forces and general opposition from the Reagan camp. We
have dealt with him almost daily on the prospect of his
supporting the President but he has maintained neutrality,
a position which has not brought him political hardship.
Since the Reagan - Schweiker announcement Armstrong believes
that the possibility of Reagan's nomination has been terminated.
Of great concern to Armstrong is Reagan's lost credibility which
may inhibit his ability to help the President unite the Party
after the convention.
Another major concern to Armstrong is the question of who the
President will chose as a running mate. Armstrong is apparently
opposed to John Connally as Vice President.
Congressman Treen was elected as an uncommitted at-large delegate
from Louisiana after intense pressure from the Reagan forces to
commit for their candidate or, at a minimum, to agree to be bound
by the majority of Louisiana's delegates -- an agreement which,
of course, would be tantamount to a Reagan commitment. Congressman
Treen instead agreed to take the majority's position into consid-
eration in arriving at his own personal decision.
The Congressman's road to arriving at a decision has been tortuous.
One of the most important factors in his decision is the choice
of a Vice President. He has been attempting to push a Ford-Reagan
ticket. The Reagan choice of Senator Schweiker has greatly dis-
turbed Treen, as he is a man of deep conservative principles.
CHALO FORD
The President Ford Committee, Rogers C. B. Morton, Chairman, Robert Mosbacher, National Finance Chairman, Robert C. Moot, Treasurer. A copy of our
Report is filed with the Federal Election Commission and is available for purchase from the Federal Election Commission, Washington, D.C. 20463.
MEETING WITH BILL ARMSTRONG
Page 2
AND DAVID TREEN
At a recent meeting of uncommitted and "soft" Reagan
Louisiana delegates with Jim Baker, Congressman Treen
argued against what he felt was a hasty decision and
successfully kept several Louisianians from commiting to
the President at that time.
Both Congressmen have taken a leadership role amont uncommitted
delegates, especially in their states. They may still believe
their neutral posture best serves the GOP.
B. Participants: Bill Armstrong and David Treen
C. Press
: None
III. TALKING POINTS
1) I want you both to know that I personally respect the courage
you've demonstrated in maintaining your uncommited status in
the face of intense pressure.
2) We're very encouraged by the momentum developing our way in
the "Sunbelt Region" and throughout the country. As you know,
we believe we have the nomination on the first ballot, especially
in light of recent development.
3) I'd like to have your commitments -- now -- it would mean a
great deal to me personally and in terms of the nomination.
FORD & 938860 LIBRARY
President Ford Committee
1828 L STREET, N.W., SUITE 250, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036 (202) 457-6400
MEETING WITH CALVIN SMITH
Wednesday, July 28, 1976
4:45 p.m.
(10 mins.)
The Oval Office
FROM: Jip JAB
I. PURPOSE
To thank him for publicly switching over to the President after
having been elected as a Reagan delegate.
II. BACKGROUND, PARTICIPANTS, AND PRESS PLAN
A. Background:
Smith, 50, a small businessman from Portsmouth, is the only black
in the Virginia delegation. He was elected as an at large Reagan
delegate but switched to the President along with his friend
Willard Forbes and made public their commitments on 7/20/76.
Prior to switching, Smith had received some criticism within the
black community for his support of Reagan and consequently has
received criticism from Reagan people for switching. In short,
he's been pushed around pretty good but is firm in his support
for the President. He has said he'll now go to the convention
even if he has to walk.
He is a member of the State Central Committee from the 4th District.
He is a member of the Electoral Board of the City of Portsmouth,
and is assistant to the President for Special Projects of Bernard
Fine Foods, a food specialty company specializing in institutional
food.
B. Participants: Jim Baker and Calvin Smith
C. Press Plan: Photo only
GERALD FORD
The President Ford Committee, Rogers C. B. Morton, Chairman, Robert Mosbacher, National Finance Chairman, Robert C. Moot, Treasurer. A copy of our
Report is filed with the Federal Election Commission and is available for purchase from the Federal Election Commission, Washington, D.C. 20463.
- 2 -
III. TALKING POINTS
1) I wanted to personally invite you here and thank you for
your public commitment to our campaign.
2) I know you've taken some heat and been subjected to criticism
since you took your stand, so I wanted you to know how much I
appreciated your standing firm.
3) We're very encouraged by the momentum now developing our way
in Virginia and throughout the country and we will win the
nomination on the first ballot.
4) Betty and I will look forward to seeing you and working with
you at the Convention.
&
FORD
GERALD
SUGGESTED DRAFT FOR INCLUSION WITH DELEGATE FAVOR
FORD SUPPORTERS ONLY
fill
August 9, 1976
Dear
,
As we approach the opening of the 1976
Republican National Convention, I want to thank you for
your support of my candidacy for the Republican presi-
dential nomination.
In my many years of public life, I have learned
that the friends who are most cherished- the ones who are
the most special--are the ones who gave their support from
the beginning. You are one of these friends.
The challenge that lies ahead of us is a great
one--but I am confident that we will be victorious in
November and that we can continue to keep America moving
in the right direction.
A Republican victory will be ours if we work
in the spirit of strength and unity that has made our Party
and our Nation great.
With sincere appreciation.
Very truly yours,
Gerald R. Ford
who good their support when the real test come
8-5-76 Sent copy to Roy Hughes.
KB
FORD i LIBRARY
ORIGINAL RETIRED TO
SPECIAL DOCUMENTS FILE
President Ford Committee
1828 L STREET, N.W., SUITE 250, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036 (202) 457-6400
August 10, 1976
MEETING WITH HANNIBAL TAVARES
Thursday, August 12, 1976
4:15 p.m.
The Oval Office
FROM: JAMES A. BAKER III
JABna
I. PURPOSE
To personally ask for his support at Kansas City and during
the general election.
II. BACKGROUND, PARTICIPANTS, AND PRESS PLAN
A. Background: Mr. Tavares is a highly respected lobbyist for
the Alexander & Baldwin (A&B) Company of Hawaii, one of the
"Big Five" Hawaiian corporations. He is involved in the
sugar industry and may want to discuss matters relating to
sugar with the President. He resides in Wailuku, Maui, the
same island recently visited by daughter Susan.
Mr. Tavares is an uncommitted delegate whom we believe is
leaning towards President Ford. Several weeks ago, 15 of
Hawaii's delegates announced they will vote for the President;
three remain uncommitted (including Tavares) and one for
Reagan.
Mr. Tavares' support in the general would be most effective
because of his popularity and the fact that he is a very
good speaker.
As you know, Hawaii has been strongly Democratic since
statehood. Retiring Senator Fong is the only Republican
elected statewide. Former Republican Governor Quinn is
seeking to succeed him, as are Congressman Matsunaga and
Congresswoman Mink. Matsunaga is expected to win both the
nomination and election.
B. Participants: Dick Cheney and Hannibal Tavares
C. Press Plan: Photo only
III. TALKING POINTS
over
LIBRARY SERALD ? FORD
The President Ford Committee, Howard H. Callaway, Chairman, Robert Mosbacher, National Finance Chairman, Robert C. Moot, Treasurer. A copy of our
Report is filed with the Federal Election Commission and is available for purchase from the Federal Election Commission, Washington, D.C. 20463.
Meeting with Hannibal Tavares
Page 2
III. TALKING POINTS
1) I very much appreciate you traveling all the way to
Washington to meet with me.
2) I also appreciate the efforts of Carla Coray (Republican
National Committeewoman) and Ed Brennan (Republican
National Committeeman), as well as Vern Brye (PFC Chairman).
3) I was very much encouraged by the public statement of
personal preference for me from the 15 Hawaii delegates.
4) I understand that you and Gay Hawley and Alvin Amarel
are still uncommitted. I sincerely hope that when you
reach Kansas City I can count on your support as well
as Gay Hawley's and Alvin Amarel's. (Do not use Miss,
Ms. or Mrs. with Gay Hawley. She has made it known she
does not use any such title.)
5) I also hope we can count on your help and support in the
general election.
FORD & LIBRARY