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From George T. Bell to Colson RE: suggestion of a labor liaison. 2 pgs. [Subject: Domestic Policy] [Memo], 9/22/1971
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From George T. Bell to Colson RE: suggestion of a labor liaison. 2 pgs. [Subject: Domestic Policy] [Memo], 9/22/1971
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Richard Nixon Presidential Library
Contested Materials Collection
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7
37
9/22/1971
Domestic Policy
Memo
From George T. Bell to Colson RE:
suggestion of a labor liaison. 2 pgs.
Friday, July 02, 2010
Page 1 of 1
September 22, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR:
CHARLES W. COLSON
SUBJECT:
Labor Liaison
I strongly urge that a man be appointed at the
Republican National Committee and at the Citizens
operation to be liaison with labor, largely at the
state level, to identify and stimulate support of
local labor leaders, and generate campaign activity
among the rank and file. It is incongruous that we have
someone for nationalities, senior citizens, youth,
blacks, women, etc., but no one in this highly
important area.
As you probably know, Bob Gormley did this at the RNC
from 1956 through 1964, when it was discontinued
because of lack of interest by the Goldwater organization.
Bliss did not have the funds to start it again and,
apparently, we have not thought of it. It would be
timely to resurrect it now to supplement our work with
the top leadership, in view of mounting evidence that
there is a wellspring of support existing at the local
level. This is particularly evident in Pennsylvania
and New York, and there seems no reason it does not
exist among the other key states. Yet, in my efforts
to get names of local labor leaders, I find that we
have none in 33 states, of which 5 are key states, and
an approciable number in only 4. This can and must be
corrected, but it will require a man knowledgeable in
local union affairs who can advise and assist the State
Chairman in noming a State Republican Labor Committee
and getting at the local leadership, an assignment
which will require time and travel.
Goraley was able to get some labor union members named
as delegates to the convention in 1956, and more named
as alternates; some were included among the sergeants-
at-arms, and a labor lender was one of the seconders of
the Dischower nomination - waving his union card. Union
types helped turn out the crowds, distribute literature
and got voters to the polls.
We have resources to draw upon. Pat Juiliano, who
was Under Secretary of Labor in Pennsylvania and also
helped Bliss and Gormley nationally, is withering away
as labor advisor to the Office of Civil Defense.
Victor Borella, Rockefeller's labor advisor, would
be helpful. Bob Gormley is over at HUD, has a drinking
problem, but still has know-how and contacts. Peter
Tursik, who retired a few weeks ago as International
Treasurer of the Carpentors union, is a Republican
and is looking for something to do. I understand
also that Dave Livingston, the General Secretary of
the Carpenters union is a Republican and would help.
Mike Banko is chaffing at the bit. There are many
others.
There seems to be fear on the part of some about getting
involved with labor or the President being exposed to
labor. Actually, as you know, he relates to them
tremendously and is incredibly effective. lle has support
among the Building Trades and I am convinced that local
leadership and the members will respond if they are
properly addressed. You will remember how much support
we found for the President when we spent our evenings
at the Hilton last spring, even at that inopportune
time shortly after his David-Sacon action. Suffridge,
Victor Dorella and Cliff Jones have emphasized that Meany
does not speak for all the lower leadership anymore
than he does for all the rank and file. I believe there
is an opportunity for a real breakthrough.
George T. Bell