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From Timmons to Haldeman RE: new Republican National Committee Chairman.3 pgs. [Subject: Domestic Policy] [Memo], 12/3/1970
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From Timmons to Haldeman RE: new Republican National Committee Chairman.3 pgs. [Subject: Domestic Policy] [Memo], 12/3/1970
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Richard Nixon Presidential Library
Contested Materials Collection
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6
74
12/3/1970
Domestic Policy
Memo
From Timmons to Haldeman RE: new
Republican National Committee Chairman.3
pgs.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Page 1 of 1
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 3, 1970
MEMORANDUM FOR H. R. HALDEMAN
From:
William E. Timmons
BE
Subject:
National GOP Chairman
I have contacted selected GOP Congressional leaders about
the type person who should be the new GOP National Chairman.
While I did not mention any possible candidates, many
Members offered suggestions. However, the absence of a
recommendation for any given individual should not be
interpreted as opposition. (For example, Arends would
back Harlow for "King", but it probably never crossed
his mind that Bryce would consider the RNC chairmanship.)
I did not contact the three campaign chairmen -- Morton,
Tower and Wilson -- but obviously they should be consulted
on the chairmanship. Morton himself might make a
recommendation for all three.
At an appropriate time, I believe it would be good Congressional
relations to convene a special leadership meeting to discuss
the Party chairmanship so leaders will feel part of the
consultation process.
While opinions of the leaders obviously differed, the "consensus"
of those contacted seem to show that the new Chairman --
1. Should not be a Congressman
2. Must have the complete confidence of the President
3. Must have full authority to run the Party
4. Should be a nuts and bolts organizer rather than
news maker.
5. Bush and Harlow rate high.
Specifically, they said --
JERRY FORD - Said he and a number of other House Republicans
are enthusiastic supporters of George Bush for the top Party
post and he asked me to pass on the recommendation to the
President.
-2-
LES ARENDS - Bob Dole would be good; George Bush would also be
fine. Doesn't have to be Member of Congress although there is
ample precedent.
JOHN RHODES - Should not be a sitting Member of Congress; must
be one who has the confidence of the President; an organizer;
"a personable Ray Bliss"; if Bryce Harlow would take it, he'd
be ideal.
BOB GRIFFIN - Should be good campaign organizer, not necessarily
TV personality; must have close personal relationship with the
President. No specific candidate.
BOB TAFT - Need an organization "doer" rather than public speaker
type; strong guy to take charge -- currently too many cooks in
the political act. Reluctant to see Member of Congress do it.
Bob Finch would be good Chairman for Taft. Bush may be okay;
he's personable but question his ability to "talk through" all
problems. Harlow covers all bases (consults) but is not the
"public figure" that may be needed.
JOHN ANDERSON - Have to give it some thought. No firm views,
but being in Congress is not a handicap to RNC Chairman.
RICHARD POFF - Should not be a Congressman; a technician is best
type as opposed to media celebrity; geography is not consideration
except should not be one with definite regional limitations, like
Alabama. Harlow would be great but surely isn't interested.
George Bush, also, idea choice and can perform both nuts and bolts
as well as public speaker. However, President has far better
judgement than any leader in Congress on this matter.
HUGH SCOTT - Should not be a Member of Congress; President dominates
the scene so need an organizer-administrator; helpful to have
attractive former Governor as co-chairman to make public appear-
ances for RNC; rather not comment on specific possibilities because
Scott doesn't have a personal candidate. Hugh recommends somebody
touch base with some of the sitting GOP Governors, the Chairman
of the State Chairmen's Association and a few of the National
Committeemen from big states like California, Pennsylvania and
New York so they cannot say they were not consulted.
GORDON ALLOTT - It should be no one from Congress. Needs an
organizational minded man, practical. Should analyze proper
role of RNC and then get best person that fits responsibilities.
Also, RNC Chairman must be a planner and active thinker, not
a responder. Has no specific recommendations for Chairman.
-3-
MARGARET SMITH - Should not be anyone from White House or
the Hill; not a defeated candidate but one who has practical
organizing experience, perhaps a successful businessman.
MILTON YOUNG - Not a Congressman; must have personal confidence
of the President; no trouble of Presidential access; have
ability to raise money. Heard rumors about Harlow and thinks
Bryce would be good.