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This file includes a series of memos by Leo Thorsness, Callaway's special assistant, assessing congressional support. Many of the memos concern Ronald Reagan.

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1673343
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Congressional Support (1)
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1673343
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document
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Congressional Support (1)
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This file includes a series of memos by Leo Thorsness, Callaway's special assistant, assessing congressional support. Many of the memos concern Ronald Reagan.
collections
President Ford Committee Records
Robert Marik's Subject Files
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U.S. Congress. (1789 - )
Presidential campaign, 1976
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1673343
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1976-03-31
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1976
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1975-11-01
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11
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1975
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The original documents are located in Box B01, folder "Congressional Support (1)" of the President Ford Committee Campaign Records 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 Gerald R. Ford donated to the United States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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. Ron TO: Bo if He Nov 18, 1975 FM: LEO RF: CONG BILL DICKINSON, AL Feels Republican Party is loosing more workers than gaining in Ala. Thinks Wallace would probably carry Ala in the General Election. Believes it is now a horse race between RR and Ford in Ala. Schlesinger - Kissinger thing was a loss in Ala for Ford. Rocky leaving the ticket was a big plus in Ala. If President signs Common Situs it will cost him a lot in Ala. Feels all three Congressmen will stick by Ford (Dickinson, Edwards and Buchanan) - - also thinks that if they don't, RR will capture the delegates. According to him, the one man who can put it together for Ford and end up getting the delegates for Ford is John Grenier. We should sit down with him and find out the "real skinny" on how it's done in Ala. (He can't say enough good for Grenier's ability and he say that Grenier is not a particularly good friend--stressing the point on how important it is we use Grenier's abilities). REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: Brad Hays F.Y.I. LIBRARY GERALD R. FORD Roma TO: BO Hin H Nov 19, 1975 FM: LEO RF: CONG JOHN J. DUNCAN, TENN Not supporting the President at this time. Very much against Common Situs - even labor members in his area don't support it. He is member of 89th Club. He says they had better access to Lyndon Johnson than to President Ford - and Johnson was a democrat! He strongly suggests the President periodically have 15 or SO senators and congressmen in to talk politics. Should not be a formal stiff arrangement but a casual relaxed affair where the President will ask them what they are hearing in their districts or states - what critizism they hear or have, etc. John Duncan is not the first who has suggested that to me. Those who bring it up stress that it should not be the leadership - but a cross section - listen to the jr folks once in a while. Duncan says John Rhodes does not speak for "them" even though he may think he knows how they feel. John Duncan feels there is a definate lack of political savy or else coordination between the White House and the Agencies. Cited an example of poorly qualified democrat getting one of the best jobs in Tenn through the Dept of Labor REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: Brad Hays F.Y.I. FORD is GERALD LIBRARY Ron December 4, 1975 MEMORANDUM TO: Bo FROM: Leo RE: CONGRESSMAN TRENT LOTT, MISSISSIPPI Trent ran me down in the Capitol to tell me "just two things.' " 1. "Don't just listen to Trent Lott, Thad Cochran and Gil Carmichael. There are a lot of Republicans in Mississippi-- we need a much broader base than the ideas of just a few politicians. " His point was, he thinks it is a bad idea to listen too much to politicans to form strategy - or run the state organizations. He thinks we need some "just real people" in significant slots in Mississippi in the PFC. in 2. We should contact a Mr. George Howell, who works for Ingalls hipbuilding Industry, a subsidary of Litton, in Pascagoula. Trent thinks very highly of him and says the only negative is that he represents big business, but big business is really not that bad in Mississippi. I believe George Howell is General Counsel for this company. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: BRAD HAYS ACTION BRAD FORDO is OFRALD LIBRARY REGULAR DISTRIBUTION Ron ADDITIONAL COPY TO: B. OGLESBY Dec 4, 1975 F.Y.I. TO: BO FM: LEO RF: CONG BILL YOUNG, FLA Much of our conversation was about the same personalities that were discussed with Richard Kelly. I have discussed this with B. Oglesby and will not go into that in this report. He knows the way for the President to "do good" in his district and the two adjoining districts--approve the VA hospital already studied and recommended by the VA at Bay Pines. Roudebush has confirmed the need, and Bill says the funds are on the "approved funds" list. Bill says this is not for him - - but for the President. Bill already has the veteran and military vote ) about 100,000 in his area) and about 1,000 per day are coming into Fla to retire - a very strong block and quite Republican. All the vet organizations in the state are solidly behind this hospital and it has been on the drawing board so long that it would not look political, according to Bill. Leo I has tabhed to OMB about the Boy Pines VA Hosp There 8 other possible locations. Dolla are awar of the additional studies now OMB being made and in constant town with on the Noy its young 5g LISEAST GERALD P. FORD Ron TO: BO Dec 4, 1975 FM: LEO RF: CONG RICHARD KELLY, FLA He will try to remain neutral - - even though, he says, it would be politically wise for him to support RR. We discussed at some length some of the personalities in Fla that are a concern to him if they become involved with the PFC. I have talked to B. Oglesby about this and will not include it in this report. He recommended we get John Hornbuckle for our PFC person in that area. Says he is a very legitimate executive type who would be a plus for the PFC. He thinks any Republican opposition to him next year year will come from the conservative wing. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: B. OGLESBY F.Y.I. & FORD GERALD LIBRARY Ron Ron TO: BO Dec 16, 1975 FM: LEO RF: CONG SKIP BAFALIS, FLA. Skip and his AA, Dick Nelson, don't think we will carry his district. See a lack of organization (PFC) in his region and lack of co-ordination in PFC effort - - example; Lou Frey has had meeting in Skip's district a few times and Skip has not known about it until after the meetings a few days. Levi's decision to retry Gurney was a blow to President Ford in his district. Skip thinks we have the "big names" on our side and RR has the workers on his. And he predicts disaster for the President if this is really true. He feels the President is still not acting "political," and thinks everything he does from now till next Nov must be political if the President hopes to win. (this is also a common complaint I hear on the Hill - - -"tell the President to start thinking politically.") Skip thinks there are many opportunities to show leadership yet - Angola, Castro, Detente, Busing, Panama Canal, etc. Skip gave me some poll data from his district which I will turn over to Stu. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: B. OGLESBY OSCAR JUAREZ F.Y.I. is FORD GERALD LIBRARY December 22, 1975 MEMORANDUM FOR: LEO THORSNESS FROM: BOB MARIK SUBJECT: Mayors for Ford Jim Falk, of the Domestic Council, has dealt with Mayors for the White House for the past several years. He is an extremely good resource for ideas on your "Mayors for Ford" organization. I would recommend that you give Jim a call and plan to get together. R BERALD TURD FILE Copies part Copies to Mim Main/Leo January 29, 1976 MEMORANDUM TO: BOB MARIK FROM: PETER KAYE Talked to Cavanaugh. We agree not to get involved with the announcement. I suggest a letter from Bo to the mayors -- congratulating them for putting this together and telling them we want not only their names but their help. Then I would send the names to state chairmen and advise them to contact them for future duty. I'll follow through from a press viewpoint. a. FORD GERALD Gm. STATES CONFERE United States THANK THE ACE OF Conference of Mayor * 1620 Eye Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006 FOR THURSDAY AFTERNOON RELEASE PRESS CONTACT: GENE RUSSE JANUARY 29, 1976 PHONE: (202) 293-7133 GOP MAYORS ENDORSE FORD WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 -- Mayor Ralph Perk of Cleveland, Chairman of the Republi Mayors Caucus, today announced endorsement of President Ford for nomination and election President. The action took place Wednesday night at the executive committee meeting of the National Conference of Republican Mayors. The GOP caucus met at the opening of the 44th Annual Midwinter Leadership Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The caucus instru Mayor Perk to convey the endorsement directly to the President. Here is the resolution adopted by the GOP Mayors. WHEREAS, The Executive Committee of the National Conference of Republican Mayors meeting in regular session in Washington, D. C., has considered the initiatives proposed by President Ford in his State of the Union and Budget proposals and; WHEREAS, the Committee has expressed its apprecia- tion for the President's concern for and willingness to consider the problems of the Nation's cities and; a. GERALD FORD - more LIBRARY WHEREAS, the Executive Committee desires to express its support for the President and to affir- matively support the President's proposal and his nomination by the Republican Party and his election as President in November, 1976, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: The Executive Committee of the National Conference of Republican Mayors hereby expresses its support of the President's programs and of the nomination and election of Gerald R. Ford as President of the United States in 1976. This is the list of the Executive Committee of the National Conference of Republican Mayors. Mayor Ralph Perk, Cleveland, Ohio Mayor Richard E. Carver, Peoria, Illinois Mayor James L. Taft, Jr., Cranston, Rhode Island Mayor E. Clay Shaw, Jr., Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Mayor Lawrence T. Kramer, Paterson, New Jersey Mayor John D. Krout, York, Pennsylvania Mayor Angelo Martinelli, Yonkers, New York Mayor Jack C. Hunter, Youngstown, Ohio Mayor Harry E. Kinney, Albuquerque, New Mexico Mayor David H. Rodgers, Spokane, Washington Mayor Clifford T. Osborn, Oak Park, Illinois Mayor Richard M. Scott, Lancaster, Pennsylvania Mayor Stanley A. Cmich, Canton, Ohio Mayor Lewis C. Murphy, Tucson, Arizona 30 of FORD GERALD LIBRARY January 13, 1976 MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD FROM: LEO RE: MAYOR DICK CARVER, PEORIA, ILLINOIS Dick met with Dick Ogilvie yesterday. Dick Carver will head up Illinois Mayors for President Ford. However, Dick is the only real politically active Republican Mayor of a large city in Illinois. He will organize the mayors and offered to do anything he can do for us. "He will do anything--just ask." He will be in Washington January 28-30 and will meet with me if I am in town. Suggested we contact, if we haven't, Mayor Dick Olson of Des Moines, Iowa. Says Dick is a top notch mayor and good person to have on our side. Mayor Tom J. Ryan, Jr. of Kankakee is good guy and Dick will contact him right away. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: Bruce Ladd and Ed Terrill ACTION ED TERRILL AND LEO 4112 is GERALD FORD LISEARY January 20, 1976 MEMORANDUM AHC TO: Bo FROM: Leo RE: CONGRESSMAN EDWIN ESHLEMAN, PENNSYLVANIA In the State of the Union Message--the best point, even though small, was that the tax should be changed so that a farm can be passed on to next generation without excessive estate tax. Went over very good in his area. Doesn't have answer, but thinks the best thing this campaign could do is figure out how to get the Republicans "turned on again." Will be more than happy to write "letters to the editor" of the papers in his district saying some positive things about the President - in an effort to counter some of the junk we read in the media. He is not running again and feels that he has even more credibility since he has announced he will not seek re-election. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: DICK MASTRANGELO F.Y.I. 8 FORD GERALD Address January 20, 1976 MEMORANDUM TO: BO FROM: LEO RE: CONGRESSMAN ALBERT JOHNSON, PENNSYLVANIA He publicly announced several months ago he is supporting the President. His AA, Rick Robb is in daily contact with Drew Lewis, and is very sharp. He will see that we can get what we want in "Letters to the Editor" in their district, and I am sure we can get the same throughout the state with Drew's attention. According to Rick, Drew was glad he was told he did not have to worry about fund raising - but also thinkswe could be doing better. However, recently some good folks have been brought on board in the fund raising business for us in Pennsylvania--so they think we will do better now. IDEA: According to Rick Robb, RR did not pay income tax last year. He thinks it would be outstanding to get an "Archie Bunker type guy" to walk up to RR at a news conference, with a tax form in his hand, and ask RR to show him how to fill out his form so that he too won't have to pay any taxes. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: DICK MASTRANGELO F.Y.I. is 038410 FORD LISEARY January 20, 1976 MEMORANDUM TO: Bo FROM: LEO RE: CONGRESSMAN TOM KINDNESS, OHIO Very much for President, even though RR is stronger than President Ford in his district. He would, if really needed, go out of his district to surrogate or advocate for the President. He is not for catastrophic Health Insurance - compares it to being just a little pregnant. IDEA: When he talks to people who aren't impressed with the President he says, "The President has such subtle leadership you don't even know it -- just a year ago no one except a few Republicans were talking about big federal spending - now even liberals are jumping on the bandwagon. It's President Ford that is causing people to think about government again, etc." He thinks RR peaked in December last year. But also thinks the President may peak too late ( relative to the convention ). He is not too excited about the New Hampshire and Florida primaries - even though he under- stands why we are. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: BRUCE LADD F.Y.I. JUDY: Note he will speak for President. a. GERALD FORD LIBRARY REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: BRAD HAYS January 22, 1976 F.Y.I. MEMORANDUM TO: BO FROM: LEO RE: CONGRESSMAN WILLIAM C. WAMPLER, VIRGINIA He has always been neutral and is this time. He can be comfortable with either Ronald Reagan or President Ford. Reading between the lines I feel he is for President Ford. He will not be a delegate. He attended a quarterly Republican 9th District Meeting on December 9, straw vote: 20 for President Ford 17 for RR 3 undecided. He thinks this is representative of Virginia. In his newsletter send out in December he asked the Question: "Do you approve of the overall performanceof President Ford?" Results: Yes: 39% No: 61% They tried to restrict answers to yes or no by not leaving any blank space -- but many tried to write in qualifications such as, but I think he is trying, he is honest, etc. On a DMI Survey taken two weeks ago (400 telephone interviews) the same question was asked and the results were: Yes: 49% No: 51% He believes that is representative. He also believes that President Ford is slightly ahead of RR and that the President has just about solid support from the 5 Republican Congressmen (so it's not too hard to read between the lines of his neutral stand.) On the DMI survey he said crime was the number one issue, followed closely by unemployment and deficit spending. He has only had a telephone report and will get the formal briefing next Monday. He is willing to share some of the results with us for free. I asked him if he would share all of it, or other pertinent parts, for a fee if not for free. He is receptive but never really answered that specific question. He will give some thought to who he thinks would make a good statewide PFC political chairman. B. GERALD TOPS January 22, 1976 MEMORANDUM TO: Bo FROM: LEO RE: CONGRESSMAN J. HERBERT BURKE, FLORIDA Is basically for the President. Thinks the PFC is hurting the Republican party organization in Florida. Thinks it's wrong to have elected officials as PFC state Chairmen. Believes PFC is running a negative campaign in Florida. When he has been with Lou Frey, Frey apologizes for Kissinger, etc. and thinks it leaves a bad taste in voters mouth. Thinks we should concentrate on weekly papers to get positive image of the President. Thinks we should ask Kirk to come on board - also we should pressure to get Cramer on the PFC side. Then after all this that is wrong with the PFC--he said he believes the old "Nixon people" will come out for the President and he thinks we have a good chance of winning the Florida Primary. ROUTINE DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: B. OGLESBY F.Y.I. FORD LIBRARY is QERALD January 22, 1976 MEMORANDUM THE TO: Bo FROM: LEO RE: CONGRESSMAN HERMAN SCHNEEBELI, PENNSYLVANIA Solidly with the President. Will be a delegate to the convention. Is not running for re-election. Thinks Congressman Heinz will be the senate candidate and will present a good image for the President during his campaign for the senate. Thinks it is good that RR is opposing the President. He doesn't think RR will get the nomination but does think that RR has created more interest in the campaign. Even thinks it helps to raise money -- now that the President Ford backers see he has opposition, they will give some money to help defeat his opposition. He often speaks out for the President. Talks about the President as graduating in the top third of his law school at Yale, an all-conference center from the Big 10, etc. He says it's very effective in combatting the junk that is written about the President being a stumble bum, etc. Thinks HHH will get the Demo nomination -- if he does we should refer to him as 4% Hubert - and let people ask why - just wet their appetite. Thinks as long as we have Drew Lewis running things for us in Pennsylvania, we will do fine - thinks very highly of Drew. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: JACK STILES DICK MASTRANGELO is F.Y.I. GERALD FORD LISTATE January 26, 1976 MEMORANDUM TO: Bo FROM: LEO RE: CONGRESSMAN WILLIAM GOODLING, PENNSYLVANIA (Conversation with AA, Dick Leggitt) Congressman Goodling is not taking sides until after February 17. That is the filing deadline for any opposition he might have. So far he has none but feels if he comes out for the President some RR supporter may file against him. He will publicly come out for the President after February 17. He recommends the President accept an invitation from the York Chamber of Commerce on April 20 for these reasons: 1. It is a good Republican area and the President would be well received by the media. 2. Both Schneebeli and Eshleman are retiring and the Republicans have their work cut out to hold both seats, it would help the cause. In other words, it would be a positive for both the President and the effort to keep those two congressional seats. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: DICK MASTRANGELO F.Y.I. JUDY NOTE FOR APRIL 20 FORD is LIBRARY OFRALD January 26, 1976 MEMORANDUM TO: BO FROM: LEO RE: CONGRESSMAN GARY MYERS, PENNSYLVANIA He has spoken out for the President and will continue to do so. If we really need a young Republican Congressman to speak somewhere, he would consider going - even though he normally goes only to his district. He received a mass of cards from his district saying they were against President Ford because of gun control stand. Maybe the State-of-the Union message will change that. RR strength in his district is becoming less and less, downhill since he announced. He recommends the county Republican headquarters be the headquarters for all Republican candidates - better use of volunteers, etc. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: DICK MASTRANGELO F.Y.I. RALE R. FORD January 26, 1976 MEMORANDUM TO: BO FROM: LEO RE: DOUG SHANKS, Jackson, Mississippi Talked to Congressman Thad Cochran, Mississippi this afternoon. He called to recommend that we ask Doug Shanks, one of two city commissioners from Jackson, to be our state PFC political chairman. He is very, very high on Doug, and will work with him behind the scenes. He says Doug is the only Republican elected official that he knows in the state who will take this position. Says we can get some of the delegates if we work at it. After talking to Thad, I found out Doug Shanks is due here Wednesday, 28th, to talk about the job. I called his office to tell Thad about this. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: JOHN DAVIS BRAD HAYS F.Y.I. FORD is CERVID LIDA January 26, 1976 MEMORANDUM TO: BO FROM: LEO RE: CONGRESSMAN BILL ARCHER, TEXAS Says he has not, and probably won't, take a position before the convention. His wife, the national committeewoman from Texas, has not taken a position either. Says one morning they think they will go for the President and the next for RR. Probably would have been for the President by now except for the energy bill. Says RR has more "hard core" support than President Ford in Texas. Oil folks are now thinking it may not be as bad as they first thought when he signed the bill. Says the President is a leader, problem is that he is not perceived correctly -- doesn't have the answer on how to change it. Says the President is perceived as being wishy-washy: he receives mail about this from his electorate, especially on 1. decontrol of natural gas price, 2. aid to New York, and 3. No tax reduction without a firm promise to cut spending by like amount. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: AL ZAPANTA F.Y.I. FORD & LIBRARY January 28, 1976 MEMORANDUM TO: Bo FROM: LEO RE: CONGRESSMAN CHARLES THONE, NEBRASKA He is for the President. He is amazed the bitterness toward the President is still very strong. (Wheat embargo, George Meany - thing). Suggests a few of us "farm folks" get together to brain- storm some ways to change the image the farmers have of the President. He felt one person who may be of value in this area is Mr. Will Irwin - Ex. Assistant Secretary of Rural Development, USDA. (Will is a friend of mine and I agree, except he is very busy right now campaigning for the US House in Indiana.) REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: DAVE OWEN ACTION MIMI LISEASY GERALD ? FORD January 30, 1976 MEMORANDUM TO: Bo FROM: STAN PARRIS RE: MEETING - Virginia Delegation Update on Virginia delegation as follows: Meeting held with Virginia delegation and Governor Holshouser, Ed Terrill, Stan Parris attending. Purpose: Virginia PFC Chairman and organization. Both Butler and Whitehurst have endorsed the President publicly. Butler says President has substantial rank and file support. Expressed considerable concern big contributors are not coming forth. Whitehurst: cannot find Financial Chairman in his district for PFC. Reagan people in his district. Daniel - "in order to survive = cannot publicly endorse. Fitzgerald Bemis, first cousin. There is not one elected Republican official in 1st or 4th district. Robinson - 20 counties, 3 cities -- in district. Majority seem to be pro-Reagan. Also some for Wallace. Not strong Republican organization at all. Wampler - Has not publicly endorsed. Of three delegates from his district - 2 - pro- Reagan might get one for PFC. Wampler, Daniel and Robinson - privately supporting President. Need organization Very little visible Reagan, virtually no Ford organization at all. Holshouser -- said would be back in touch first of the week. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: BRAD HAYS F.Y.I. FORD & QERALT LIBRA, December 5, 1975 MEMORANDUM TO: Bo FROM: Stan Parris RE: SENATOR BILL SCOTT, VIRGINIA Scott has publicly announced for Reagan. He has also mailed a letter to all women's clubs in Virginia asking for their support for Reagan. Bob Beaufort of Norfolk has announced for Reagan publicly. There is a federal judgeship in that area open. Bill Scott would have some input being on the Judiciary Committee. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: BRAD HAYS F.Y.I. LIBRARY GERALD R. FORD December 5, 1975 MEMORANDUM TO: Bo FROM: Stan Parris RE: CONGRESSMAN JIM JOHNSON, COLORADO He is supporting the President. Has not publicly announced. His opinion is:of the Republican leadership 55-45 for the President. Organization in Colorado is very weak. Will not turn out much for President, at this point. Confident Bill Armstrong is with the President. His "big thing" in his area is working on a water problem- if solved he would be in good shape. Has been working with the Interior Department, Nat Reed and his liberal democrat friends. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: BOB FLANIGAN F.Y.I. = GERALD FORD Address December 5, 1975 MEMORANDUM TO: Bo FROM: Stan Parris RE: CONGRESSMAN CALDWELL BUTLER, VIRGINIA Supporting President Ford and has publicly announced. Believes President is behind in the 6th District (strongest Republican district in Virginia) and in the state. Said he was never consulted on PFC finance Chairman. He was concerned that Fitzgerald Bemiss was named. Bemiss doesn't have access. (Governor, Lt. Gov. and Party chairman also said they hadn't been consulted.) Butler suggested Gibson Harris of Richmond for PFC finance Chairman. Virginia needs a state chairman immediately and badly. Joel Broyhill should be asked. If he turns down, then Gib Harrris would do a good job if asked. I was told this was cleand when I called Demins. whats stor REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: FINANCE BRAD HAYS ACTION MILLIE B. GERALD R. FORD December 5, 1975 MEMORANDUM TO: Bo FROM: Stan Parris RE: CONGRESSMAN DAN DANIEL, D- Virginia (Realize he was not on my list to contact.) FOR PRESIDENT. Believes President is behind in Virginia. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: BRAD HAYS F.Y.I. 2. GERALD FORD LIBRATE December 5, 1975 MEMORANDUM TO: Bo FROM: Stan Parris RE: CONGRESSMAN RICHARD T. SCHULZE, PA. Political trivia-- Schulze of Pennsylvania had publicly announced he was for President Ford. He is on Banking and Currency Committee - he renounced previous announcement for the President because of President's position on New York. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: DICK MASTRANGELO F.Y.I. R. D7V 0801 LIBRAC December 5, 1975 MEMORANDUM TO: Bo FROM: Stan Parris RE: CONGRESSMAN JIM MARTIN, NORTH CAROLINA Margaret King in Charlotte was Jim's former campaign manager and is heading up PFC Committee. Jim Martin, Jim Broyhill and Gov. Holshauser have publicly announced for the President. Senator Helms is supporting Reagan, but will not run damaging oppositon and will join in supporting the President after the convention. Reagan's Chairman, Frank Ruse, former state chairman, is the guy that got indicted as member of general assembly - offered bribe and then didn't deliver. Martin for President largely because of financial help after meeting at the White House last month. Grassroots support for Reagan. If primary tomorrow, North Carolina would go for Reagan. (Wallace beat incumbent democrat governor four years ago.) Reagan is conceived to be more conservative than Ford. Grassroots - more conservative. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: BRAD HAYS BILL RUSSELL F.Y.I. is SALD FORD December 8, 1975 MEMORANDUM TO: Bo FROM: Stan Parris RE: CONGRESSMAN PHIL CRANE, ILLINOIS (Phil Crane stopped by Steve Symms office.) Crane is State Chairman for Reagan in Illinois. All other members of Congress, including Senator Percy are supporting the President. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY: BRUCE LADD F.Y.I. SERVICE B. FORD LIBRAS December 8, 1975 MEMORANDUM TO: Bo FROM: Stan Parris RE: CONGRESSMAN STEVE SYMMS, IDAHO On Reagan Committee in Idaho. Between Symms and Jim McClure, Reagan has taken over Republcan Party. If vote today, Reagan would win by 60%. SUGGESTION: Jerry Kramer, all pro guard from Green Bay Packers, Parma, Idaho -- 208-722-5877. "Brain Storm:" There will be 72 million viewers watching Super Bowl. President Ford could start a tradition by presenting "Presidential Trophy to world champions of NFL." Kramer has talked to Rozelle. He is in favor. Believes it could be worked out with league. Jerry Kramer would be glad to help put together. (Phil Crane stopped in Symms office while I was there.) Both Crane and Symms say "Middle America is to the right of the Republican Party." Jerry needs to run to the right where basic constitutents are. That is the thinking of people who will be at the convention. "After convention he can loosen up a little." Congressional delegation is substanially conservative -- grassroots are more conservative. These are the people, along with the congressional people, who are going to make the decision at the convention. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: BOB FLANIGAN F.Y.I. E. GERALD FORD Hub December 8, 1975 MEMORANDUM TO: Bo FROM: Stan Parris RE: CONGRESSMAN STEVE SYMMS, IDAHO On Reagan Committee in Idaho. Between Symms and Jim McClure, Reagan has taken over Republcan Party. If vote today, Reagan would win by 60%. SUGGESTION: Jerry Kramer, all pro guard from Green Bay Packers, Parma, Idaho -- 208-722-5877. "Brain Storm:" There will be 72 million viewers watching Super Bowl. President Ford could start a tradition by presenting "Presidential Trophy to world champions of NFL." Kramer has talked to Rozelle. He is in favor. Believes it could be worked out with league. Jerry Kramer would be glad to help put together. (Phil Crane stopped in Symms office while I was there.) Both Crane and Symms say "Middle America is to the right of the Republican Party." Jerry needs to run to the right where basic constitutents are. That is the thinking of people who will be at the convention. "After convention he can loosen up a little." Congressional delegation is substanially conservative -- grassroots are more conservative. These are the people, along with the congressional people, who are going to make the decision at the convention. ai GERALD FORD December 8, 1975 P.M. MEMORANDUM OF RECORD FROM: Leo RE: Telephone Conversation with Art Falls, PFC Campaign Mgr. , Illinois Talked with Art about having Mayor Dick Carver be our Regional Coordinator for Mayors for Region III. (Bruce Ladd had previously okayed this.) Also, Mayor Carver of Peoria had expressed interest and had said he would head up the Mayors for Illinois too. (This was a person to person conversation I had with Mayor Carver in Miami Beach, December 2.) Conversation wtih Art Falls was a little like "skating on thin ice." Evidently, Dick Ogilive wants a man by the name of Bersted from Monmouth, a town of 11,000, to head up the Mayors for Ford or at least, to be a co-chairman. The other person that the Ogilvie people would like to be involved is the Mayor of Decatur. As the conversation went on-- I learned that Mayor Bersted was the former President of the Municipal League of Illinois. So he probably is a well-known man, and also has "come up through the ranks." Mayor Dick Carver has not. Falls said, "He is even in his first term, although, of course, we need young people like that. " I suggested that we certainly want a wide political spectrum supporting the President, but that I did not want to get involved in the Illinois pol tics and that certainly Dick Ogilive was well qualified to put it together for us. This appears to be a sensitive area, -- I was told -- "Maybe you are moving too fast for us out here." We are not ready to tackle that problem of putting together Mayors yet. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: BRUCE LADD F.Y.I. FORD is GERALD LIBRAR December 8, 1975 MEMORANDUM TO: Bo FROM: Leo RE: CONGRESSMAN SILVIO CONTE, MASS. Nearly has his steering committee of about 100 put together. He will next select county chairmen for each of the 14 counties. Silvio wants to have lunch with Jack Ford. He thinks Jack can do an outstanding job on the college campuses of Massachusetts. The college kids like him and there are thousands of them - it could make the difference. We must get back to him on this soon. He is going to try to get retired Sen. Saltonstall to be his Senior Citizen Chairman. He suggested I ask Evan Dobelle, Mayor of Pittsfield, to head up the "Mayors for Ford" in Massachusetts. (413-499-1100) x4 REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: DICK MASTRANGELO ACTION SCHEDULING R. GENAL FORD ADDRESS December 9, 1975 MEMORANDUM TO: Bo FROM: Stan Parris RE: CONGRESSMAN JOHN ROUSSELOT, CALIFORNIA Chatted with John on the phone today. He has not publicly declared. Knows Reagan personally. He is trying not to take a position. He is not anti-Ford. He hopes the President does not sign energy bill and the common situs picketing bill. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: DAVE LIGGETT F.Y.I. is - LIBRARY CERALD TO: BO Dec 9, 1975 FM: LEO RF: CONG PETER PEYSER, N.Y. Cong Peyser is solidly with the President. He will be running for the senate for Senator Buckley's seat. He will try to make Buckley take a position as Buckley is now "riding the fense" trying to play it safe by saying he will support whoever wins the nomination RR forces in N.Y. are very active. Some of the party people right now are getting close to moving to the RR side. Cong Peyser was floor manager for the Common Situs Bill. He was sending a letter to the President today that strongly urged the President to sign the bill. Peyser thinks the president has a good chance of getting 4 million construction votes in the general election if he signs the bill - - and not one if he vetos it. In discussing mayors in his area he recommended we contact Angelo Martinelle of Yonkers (population 214,000) and William Valentine of Rome (50,000). He will surrogate for the President. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: DICK MASTRANGELO F.Y.I. FORDO of LIBRARY GERALD TO: BO Dec 9, 1975 FM: LEO RF: CONG ED MADIGAN, ILL According to Madigan the PFC is in terrible shape in Ill. He strongly recommends we have a "down state" co or vice chairman. He says Ogilvie has a lot of support in Cook and surrounding counties but is not the name for down-state. He recommends Bob Michels. When asked for further names who might be good in down state he did not have any but asked me to call him back in a couple days - or his AA, Mr Dan Doran who was in the meeting with us. Cong Madigan gave this example of poor PFC organization: He had 'twisted the arm of the Rep county chairman, of the largest county in his district, to run as a Ford delegate. The chairman consented to and than Dick Ogilvie called an old supporter of his, a lady in that same county and asked her to run - so now there are President Ford delegates running against one another. He says he was never contacted on this matter. Certainly this is only one side of it but I am getting more and more 'vibs' that we have some serious communication and personality problems in Ill. Stu - any truth to this We should really Concentrate on getting. a your slate of "Ford delegates B. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: BRUCE LADD JACK STILES FORD is LIBRARY GERALD ACTION STU and JACK TO: BO Dec 10, 1975 FM: LEO RF: CONG DON MITCHELL, B. GILMAN AND H. FISH, N. Y. Met very briefly with each. All are with the President. Each would like the milk parity to be at 85%, and each expects the President to veto 85%. They are working on Sen Buckley; trying to push him off the fence to the Ford side. Also trying to get Cliff White to work on the Senator. Cong Mitchell said the President handled the N.Y. aid situation exactly right - he felt the President showed extremely strong leadership and the facts backed up this opinion and were simple enough that we could sell that fact to the American Public. He is extemely happy with the President's performance. When the President was Vice President he went on a 5 hr trip and visited all three districts of Mitchell, Gilman, and Fish (#s 25, 26 and 31). They have just sent the President a collective invitation to do the same thing again - hopefully in April of 76. They want any help they can get from us. Last time he flew to Oneida County Airport, held a function at the airport and then flew on to Stewart AFB for a function at Harriman College, a 20 minute drive from Stewart AFB. Then a flight to Westchester County Airport for a function at Lock Ledge Country Club. It was about a 5 hr trip total. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: DICK MASTRANGELO ACTION SCHEDULING FORDO is DERALD LIBRARY TO: BO Dec 10, 1975 RM: LEO RF: CONG PAUL FINDLEY, ILL He is solidly with the President. Recommends the President stay at home and be President. Doesn't think the President should even go to N.H. for 2-3 days prior to primary. Also thinks the President should spend absolutely the minimum time on partisan activities - in or out of Washington. He does not have the answer to the on going problem Republicans face: How to show compassion for the small guy and still be fiscally responsible. Suggests the President should join the others who are using the tactic of running against Washington. He thinks the President should develop the following idea: Senior citizens are being discriminated against. Our customs, laws, regulations, public and private, force old folks to resign at a certain age. Cong Findley feels it goes so far as to violate their civil rights. He thinks the President should advocate change for them. He also knows many old folks vote. Mayors he feels would be for the President: Paul Lenz from Alton, William Telford from Springfield and Milton Hocking from Jacksonville. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: BRUCE LADD F.Y.I. DERALD FORD LIGHTER'S TO: BO Dec 10, 1975 FM: LEO RF: CONG ROBERT McEWEN, N.Y. Cong McEwen is interested in sharing cost on polling if we are interested in data from his district. Call Jack Mellon, his AA, back with answer in couple days. He will stay in contact with his 7 county chairmen and keep us advised of any RR activity or negative rumblings about the President. He has never run for delegate but if necessary he will. I explain- ed some of the advantages of having national people on state delegations: professional politicians, working relationship and trust of people on other state delegations, etc. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: DICK MASTRANGELO JACK STILES FRED SLIGHT F.Y.I. is FORD GERALD LISEARY TO: BO Dec 10, 1975 FM: LEO RF: CONG NORMAN LENT, N.Y. Cong Lent is with the President. When Rocky was on the ticket it was automatically assumed N.Y. Delegation would run committed to the President. Now there is talk of having an uncommitted delegation. This would prevent RR people from running against Ford delegates, according to him. He says that if 'they' push the Ford button, his district will go Ford - it's that simple. Joseph M. Marioeta is the county chairman of Nassau County and everything is done through him. County chairman of Suffolk County is Buzz Schwenck - who can be contacted in Blue POint, N.Y. Town Supervisor of the town of Hempstead (pop of 800,000) is Francis Purcell. (town supervisor is same as mayor if it is called a city). REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: DICK MASTRANGELO JACK STILES F.Y.I. FORD is 03V830 LIBRARY Bob Marik TO: BO Dec 23, 1976 FM: LEO RE: SENATOR JAMES BUCKLEY, N.Y. Says he can be happy with either President Ford or RR. Thinks RR has more ability to "motivate" people than President Ford. When asked what it is about the President which does not fit his way of thinking, he gave no specifics but said there are only two or three very little things which he is not in accord with the President. In essence, he is very comfortable with the President, but likes RR way of saying things. I believe, if the President comes on strong in the first few primaries, that Senator Buckley will then be on our side, or we can get him on our side. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: DICK MASTRANGELO F.Y.I. LISEARY GERALD ? FORD February 3, 1976 MEMORANDUM ARC TO: BO FROM: LEO RE: CONGRESSMAN DAVID EMERY, MAINE He has not taken a position -- probably will before the nomination. RR folks were in to see him the other day asking for his support. According to him, he "unloaded" on them just as he did on me today. According to him, if the President does not sign the 200 mile fishing bill, he : the President can "write off" his district and state. He is not happy with the President's position on energy, David is consistently against de-control. Thinks the administration spends too much time talking about petroleum. Instead they should be spending more time looking at alternate sources. Said the President made it very difficult on those who stood with him on the aid to N.Y. thing, and then the President left "us high and dry." Thinks the President is very wrong to veto something like the edu- cation bill when it passed so overwhelmingly -- no chance for an override. Says he should continue to travel around. Was good he vetoed common situs. With the President on tax. President has been very helpful when needed access to the White House, The one thing he wanted me to impress you with is the significance of the 200 mile fishing bill - must sign it. I asked if the President signs the bill (fishing) will he then be with us said it I am not sure if he will ever be with us -- as there will always REGULAR DISTRIBUTION be "other legislation," unless we really try to pin him BENED downo ADDITIONAL COPY TO: DICK MASTRANGELO LIBRAR F.Y.I. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION Marie ADDITIONAL COPY TO: BOB FLANIGAN F.Y.I. February 2, 1976 MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD FROM: LEO RE: =COLORADO Trip - January 29, 30, 1976 Colorado Federation of Republican Women Board Meeting Canon City, Colorado - Banquet Address - Leo Thorsness Approximately 100 members in attendance with a total of 60 statewide clubs represented. There wasn't a vote taken, but there was obviously an appreciable amount of support for the President from this group. Helene von Dame (sp.) was there to speak for Reagan, the following morning - speaking on "Reagan, the Man." I intentionally made a soft sell on the President, spoke on Republicanism, Americanism, and Fordism. I used the soft-sell approach for two reasons, one, I am a better soft-sell than hard seller and secondly, knowing that Ms. von Dame was speaking the following morning and if she came on too strong-- it would be better for us. I spoke mainly Pro-Ford and not anti-Reagan. MEDIA COVERAGE Press Conference on arrival January 29 in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Canon City. Denver -- One independent TV and CBS and ABC affiliates, several radio stations and some of the print media. Colorado Springs - Affiliates from CBS, ABC. and NBC which covers Pueblo (the last one NBC) both daily newspapers, and some radio stations. Canon City - The local media - radio station and newspapers (weekly and daily.) The fact that the President Ford Committee from Washington was in Colorado showing some activity is a plus and certainly is worth the price of a ticket. Perhaps we should give some thought to this idea in the lesser priority states. (Following North Carolina.) Apparently we can get some good coverage in the grass roots (local radio and tv) and it is probably worth a lot of media coverage if we tried to buy it. If we get someone into the grass roots area - and for the more impressed they seem to be by the fact that someone from LIBS some reason the more grass roots (the smaller the communities) Washington is there. However, this may be done with the statewide PFC Chairman. Are TO: BO Feb 2, 1976 FM: LEO RE: CONG VIRGINIA SMITH, NEBR. Outwardly she is neutral - reading between the lines she supports the President. According to her, the ideal ticket is a Ford/Reagan combination, and she believes that will end up being the ticket. She represents a farm district and has the same things to say about our problems in ag areas as others. She doesn't know any easy good solutions either. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: DAVE OWEN F.Y.I. LIBRARY GERALD ? FORM February 3, 1976 MEMORANDUM TO: Bo FROM: LEO RE: CONGRESSMAN PETE duPONT, DELAWARE President Ford is "way ahead" in Delaware. Says Delaware 'goes with a winner' and that is the way the President is now perceived. However, if RR comes on strong in New Hampshire, Florida, etc., and is perceived as a winner the folks in Delaware may change. Barring strong RR showing in early primaries, the President should get all, or nearly all delegates from convention in Delaware. According to Pete, performance is the key to the President's image. One way to get congressmen involved who offer to help: Look up what the President has done that is a plus in their district and have them give a speech about it. No visable evidence of the PFC in his district. Should have someone with a President Ford button at Republican meetings - get some visable evidence going. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: DICK MASTRANGELO F.Y.I. FORD is DENALD LIBRARY February 3, 1976 MEMORANDUM TO: Bo FROM: LEO RE: CONGRESSWOMAN MARJORIE HOLT, MARYLAND Solidly with the President. Will "do anything to help." There is a lot of RR activity in her district - a moderate to conservative district. Recently had the opportunity to tell the President he was in trouble in her district. Will keep 'ear to the ground' for us. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: DICK MASTRANGELO F.Y.I. DERALD R. FORD LIBRARY February 3, 1976 MEMORANDUM TO: BO FROM: LEO RE: CONGRESSMAN STEWART McKINNEY, CONNECTICUT No evidence of PFC organization in his district. RR folks are all over the phones calling town committee members, etc. He is thinking about calling them all to tell them to stick with the President (there are about 800 of them in his district.) He is solidly with the President and recently made a very heavy statement anti-RR. Says it appears the President is running scared from RR --- and according to him, that's bad, i.e. makes him look weak. Greatest things going for the President are honesty, openness, candidness, simple, etc - all good points according to Stewart. When Stewart talks about the President he talks about these things plus that the President is firm. He says he is able to sell this "firmness" as part of the President's image - we need more of that. President's candid image has been hurt by the Schlesinger firing, CIA thing and RR. State of the Union was a good message - wasn't negative for a change as were President Nixon's. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: Dick Mastrangelo F.Y.I. FORD is LIBRARY 018470 Basmarik TO: BO Feb 4, 1976 FM: LEO RE: AA TO RON SARASIN, CONN, MR MARC STANLEY Sarasin not available so spent a little time with his AA, Marc Stanley. Cong Sarasin has not committed or endorsed anyone as yet. Feels RR is no threat to President Ford in Conn. They have had very good relationship with the White House on accessability, cooperation, etc. Feels the President should not use the veto when it's obvious he will be overridden. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: DICK MASTRANGELO F.Y.I. FORD is DENALD LIBRARY TO: BO Feb 5, 1976 FM: LEO RE: CONG JOHN JARMAN, OKLA He is solidly with us. Will do whatever he can to help. Problems in Okla: They are still smarting over the energy bill. Senator Henry Bellmon is making some very bad statements about the President, Republicans, and some plus ones for the Dems. We are getting bad press down there on this. They (electorate) like the rhetoric of RR - it's a very conservative block. He says if the President get the nomination, however, they will be solidly for him. He will stay in touch with us and help however he can. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: JOHN DAVIS BRAD HAYS F.Y.I. FORD is LIBRARY 078339 TO: BO Feb 5, 1976 FM: LEO RE: CONG ALBERT QUIE, MN Thinks John Rhodes should get several of the congressmen to circulate a letter to get signed up" support for the President. He would gladly help in this effort. Between John Rhodes and Bob Michel they would know who to get to do the circulating. Believes each congressmen, when meeting with the President, should be asked to do about 3 specific things - - must be specific, and not too many or they will be overwhelmed and get nonedone. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION F.Y.I. 1040 is LIBRARY TO: BO Feb 5, 1976 FM: LEO RE: CONG EDWIN FORSYTHE, NEW JERSEY He is with us but not openly yet. His concern is not to have a splintered delegation and he says if he comes out solidly for the President that will happen. Much will depend on how we do in N.H. according to him (in New Jersey). CASE WORK: John Hunt (defeated in 74 from the House) is trying to get some job in government. Supposedly they have been going to find him one for quite some time but keeps getting put off. Edwin is afraid if it doesn't happen soon, he may go to the RR side. Dan Todd just today was named chairman of some committee (son of state Chairman) and he feels that a job for John Hunt is deserved and would be helpful. Thinks he is very qualified in Veterans area, police, law enforcement, to name a few. STROKING: a call from PFC would really pump up Mr Garfield DeMarco, county chairman of Burlington County. Can get through the Rep Burlington County office in Mt. Holly. He is for us and has gotten the endorsement of that county for the President. I will call. REGULAR DISTRIBUTION Les- Dich Mastrangels ADDITIONAL COPY TO: Dick Mastrangelo has hur working on the ACTION LEO wish to chick w/ him m Hunt job you may status . get bach to 7 noythe 1 M. FORD is LIBRARY Bob marik TO: BO Feb 5, 1976 FM: LEO RE: CONG GILBERT GUDE, MARYLAND He is solidly with the President. Wants to help in any way he can. Thinks it would be worth the President's time to meet with the Wednesday Group. Thinks the President gets too involved with RR - don't play RR rules. Suggests the President oppose RR on pragmatics instead of issues. ie., RR is another Goldwater--can't win the general election and it's absolutly vital we keep the White House. Thinks RR has even less chance than Goldwater in that he considers Goldwater a statesman SO the conservatives have a legitimate belief in him whereas RR only talks a good game but is really a movie star. Suggests it would help the image if he attended a class reunion at Yale - most folks don't know he graduated from here (and in the top third of his class.) REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: DICK MASTRANGELO F.Y.I. FORD is LIBRARY GENALD Bob marer TO: BO Feb 9, 1976 FM: LEO RE: CONG ROBIN BEARD, TENN. He has publicly said he supports the President-- when asked but not made a big deal out of formal support. Thinks the President's greatest asset is that he does not sound or act like a typical politican. - he believes the "fire side chat" approach is excellent tell it like it is in a low key, straight forward manner. Thinks we should encourage the President to tell the voters to take a look at each one of their congressmen on how they vote - define hipocracy and have them look at each member of congress to see if he is guilty. Believes we should also try to get the point across: "Hey, we finally have a President doing just what we want a President to do--telling the truth, puting national interests ahead of partisan politics, vetoing typical vote getting legislation that is beyond our means, etc." Robin will leave his district to speak. I highly recommend we use him if we need a young congressman (with a southern drawl) in a conservative area. He is enthusiastic, with the President, articulate and I think just what we need. Plus he agreed to do it for us. Judy By all means start scheduling Dead as an B. adout REGULAR DISTRIBUTION ADDITIONAL COPY TO: DICK MASTRANGELO ACTION SCHEDULING FORD 3 LIBRARY DERALO