Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Source Description
This file contains:
Draft of a memo suggesting how to handle the database created for he 1972 election. 4 pgs. [Subject: White House Staff] [Other Document], 3/26/1973
From Higby to Terry O'Donnell RE: obtaining a sailboat for Haldeman and seeing whether or not he could pay sales tax in California. 1 pg. [Subject: Personal] [Memo], 3/27/1973
From Higby to Terry O'Donnell RE: obtaining a sailboat for Haldeman and seeing whether or not he could pay sales tax in California. 1 pg. [Subject: Personal] [Memo], 3/27/1973
From Higby to Mrs. John Brown RE: a misplaced item. 1 pg. [Subject: Personal] [Letter], 3/13/1973
From unknown to Higby laying out an itinerary for the latter to follow on his St. Johns trip. 1 pg. [Subject: Personal] [Memo], no date
From Higby to E. Pendelton James congratulating the latter on his new job. 1 pg. [Subject: Personal] [Letter], 3/13/1973
From Higby to Nick Ruwe apologizing for not being able to attend a party. 1 pg. [Subject: Personal] [Letter], 3/13/1973
From Higby to Haldeman RE: an explanation for needing to be late to work one day. 1 pg. [Subject: White House Staff] [Memo], 3/12/1973
From Higby to Francis Custis RE: thanks for a doll for Jenifer Higby and a token of the Higby family's appreciation. 1 pg. [Subject: Personal] [Letter], 3/3/1973
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
26145447
label
WHSF: Contested, 10-21
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
26145447
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
WHSF: Contested, 10-21
description
This file contains:
Draft of a memo suggesting how to handle the database created for he 1972 election. 4 pgs. [Subject: White House Staff] [Other Document], 3/26/1973
From Higby to Terry O'Donnell RE: obtaining a sailboat for Haldeman and seeing whether or not he could pay sales tax in California. 1 pg. [Subject: Personal] [Memo], 3/27/1973
From Higby to Terry O'Donnell RE: obtaining a sailboat for Haldeman and seeing whether or not he could pay sales tax in California. 1 pg. [Subject: Personal] [Memo], 3/27/1973
From Higby to Mrs. John Brown RE: a misplaced item. 1 pg. [Subject: Personal] [Letter], 3/13/1973
From unknown to Higby laying out an itinerary for the latter to follow on his St. Johns trip. 1 pg. [Subject: Personal] [Memo], no date
From Higby to E. Pendelton James congratulating the latter on his new job. 1 pg. [Subject: Personal] [Letter], 3/13/1973
From Higby to Nick Ruwe apologizing for not being able to attend a party. 1 pg. [Subject: Personal] [Letter], 3/13/1973
From Higby to Haldeman RE: an explanation for needing to be late to work one day. 1 pg. [Subject: White House Staff] [Memo], 3/12/1973
From Higby to Francis Custis RE: thanks for a doll for Jenifer Higby and a token of the Higby family's appreciation. 1 pg. [Subject: Personal] [Letter], 3/3/1973
citationUrl
collections
Richard M. Nixon's Returned Materials Collection
Contested Materials Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
26145447
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
3f140588be79dfbd
ocrText
Richard Nixon Presidential Library
Contested Materials Collection
Folder List
Box Number
Folder Number
Document Date
No Date
Subject
Document Type
Document Description
10
21
3/26/1973
White House Staff
Other Document
Draft of a memo suggesting how to handle
the database created for he 1972 election. 4
pgs.
10
21
3/27/1973
Personal
Memo
From Higby to Terry O'Donnell RE:
obtaining a sailboat for Haldeman and seeing
whether or not he could pay sales tax in
California. 1 pg.
10
21
3/27/1973
Personal
Memo
From Higby to Terry O'Donnell RE:
obtaining a sailboat for Haldeman and seeing
whether or not he could pay sales tax in
California. 1 pg.
10
21
3/13/1973
Personal
Letter
From Higby to Mrs. John Brown RE: a
misplaced item. 1 pg.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Page 1 of 2
Box Number
Folder Number
Document Date
No Date
Subject
Document Type
Document Description
10
21
Personal
Memo
From unknown to Higby laying out an
itinerary for the latter to follow on his St.
Johns trip. 1 pg.
10
21
3/13/1973
Personal
Letter
From Higby to E. Pendelton James
congratulating the latter on his new job. 1 pg.
10
21
3/13/1973
Personal
Letter
From Higby to Nick Ruwe apologizing for
not being able to attend a party. 1 pg.
10
21
3/12/1973
White House Staff
Memo
From Higby to Haldeman RE: an explanation
for needing to be late to work one day. 1 pg.
10
21
3/3/1973
Personal
Letter
From Higby to Francis Custis RE: thanks for
a doll for Jenifer Higby and a token of the
Higby family's appreciation. 1 pg.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Page 2 of 2
D
R
A
March 26, 1973
F
T
SUBJECT: The Future of the Data Base
We have come down to two practical alternatives on the future of the
computerized list of registered voters and associated software (the data
base) from the 1972 campaign.
The essence of the problem is whether the President wishes to retain control
of the data base or whether he is willing to make it freely available to all
Republican candidates for any office. Specifically, it can be a powerful
tool in the selection of his successor in 1976. Its importance in a contested
primary campaign must not be underestimated.
For example, in the New Hampshire Presidential primary in 1972, the results
were approximately as follows:
Nixon
69%
McCloskey
21%
Ashbrook
10%
The Nixon Campaign, using an early version of the data base, had systematically
contacted every Republican household by telephone, sent two pieces of mail,
including a get-out-the-vote telegram-letter, and had called many on Election
Day. If either of the other two candidates had done all that, and the Presi-
dent had not, his vote might have been substantially lower than it was. The
result could have been a more prolonged series of contested primaries which
might have eroded the President's political stature for the fall campaign.
- 2 -
The effect becomes even more pronounced when there is no incumbent running
for the nomination. A graphic illustration is McGovern, who had no business
winning the Democratic nomination in 1972. He defeated the other, better-
known candidates largely on the strength of his grass-roots campaign,
centered around a data base. It is fair to say that, if several Republican
candidates contest the Spring primaries in 1976, the one with the data base
will have a distinct advantage.
Proposed Alternatives for Operation of the Data Base:
Alternative 1-
Establish separate entity (corporation or trust) to house the
data base.
The manager of the data base would also be part of the RNC
staff, in their data processing department.
Decisions on which requests for use of the data base would
be made by someone, outside of the RNC, acting in the President's
interest.
Discussion
This alternative retains Presidential control for 1976. By keeping the data
base independent of the RNC, the Chairman is not placed in a position where
he has to honor all requests and make the total system (computer tapes and
programming) available to anyone who requests it. At the same time, by the
presence of the manager in the RNC, the data base can be readily used in
conjunction with Republican campaigns whenever the President so desires.
- 3 -
For example, the decision might be made to allow the Chairman of the RNC
to make copies of the voter lists and mailing labels available to anyone
in 1974. Up to a point, the information could even be made available
in computer tape form, although the distribution of the system software
(programming) is not recommended. Them, after 1974, the President could
once again assume control for 1976. Any list becomes out dated by about
20% per yaar, so that 1974 lists would only be marginally useful in 1976
unless substnatial investment were made to keep it up. An obvious
disadvantage of Alternative 1 is that it will, to some degree, alienate
party leaders.
Alternative 2
o Turn the data base over to the RNC.
o Assure that a manager capable of using the system is placed
on the RNC staff.
Discussion
The President would be donating the data base to the Republican party. He
could assure that adequate resources are applied to maintaining it for 1974
and 1976. The RNC Chairman would have complete discretion to make it available
to all candidates and all state parties. Undoubtedly, the systems and
software would also soon be disseminated. Most of the 1976 candidates for
the Presidential nomination would be sure to obtain it.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. On the assumption that the President desires to retain an
ability to influence the choice of his successor in 1976, Alternative 1
- 4
is recommended
Approve
Disapprove
Comment
2. Whichever alternative is chosen, it is important to assure the
presence of a competent manager of the data base. It is recommended that
Jim White be selected for that position and that arrangements be made with
Chairman Bush to place him on the RNC staff immediately.
Approve
Disapprove
Comment
March 27, 1973
MEMORANDUM FOR:
TERRY O'DONNELL
FROM:
L. HIGBY
Haldeman is interested in getting a Sunfish (it's a very small sailboat) made by
Alcort, a Division of AMF Company. He wants to buy it before he goes out to
California this summer. You should probably be looking into it for him or have
George do it.
The other item is the question of whether or not it would be possible for him to
start paying state income tax in California. The difference in price or the amount
of money he would have to pay is almost 50%. Please look into it and adkise him.
Thanks.
for
March 27, 1973
MEMORANDUM FOR:
TERRY O'DONNELL
FROM:
L'. HIGBY
Haldeman is interested in getting a Sunfish (it's a very small sail boat) made by
Alcord a division of AMF Company. He wants to buy it before he goes out to
California this summer. You should probably be looking into it for him or have
George do it.
The other item is the question of whether or not it would be possible for him to
start paying state income tax in California. The difference in price or the amount
of money he would have to pay is almost 50%. This is something that should be
looked into for him and advise him on.
203
March 13, 1973
Dear Jo:
Jenifer's slight of hand misplaced this during the trip
back. Hope to see you soon.
Sincerely,
Lawrence M. Higby
Deputy Assistant
to the President
Mrs. John Brown
2360 Collins Road
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15325
Enclosure
I
Larry,
Below are some tentative arrangements that I've made re your trip to St. Johns,
SATURDAY, APRIL 14
DEPART:
WNA
9:45 a.m.
FLIGHT: Delta No. 205 (coach class)
ARRIVE:
Miami
1:35 p.m.
DEPART:
Miami
2:30 p.m.
FLIGHT: Pan Am No. 551
ARRIVE: San Juan 5:45 p.m.
DEPART: San Juan 6:55 p.m.
FLIGHT: Airindies No. ISO
ARRIVE: St. Thos. 7:10 p.m.
You will be met in St. Thomas by a Ranger and he will arrange transportation fr St. Thomas
to St. Johns. A jeep has been reserved for your use duiting your visit there.
They will also take care of transportation fr St. Johns back to St. Thomas.
SUNDAY, April 22
DEPART:
St. Thos.
1:45
p.m.
ELIGHT: Airindies No. 145
ARRIVE: San Juan 2:15 p.m.
DEPART:
San Juan
3:15 p.m.
FLIGHT: Pan Am 552
ARRIVE:
Miami
4:45 p.m.
DEPART:
Miami
6:30 p.m.
FLIGHT: Delta No. 220
ARRIVE:
WNA
8:33 p.m.
Everything has been confirmed (availability-wise) except for the Airindles Flights it will
be two days before we can get confirmation on this. (Reservations are made for four people)
March 13, 1973
Dear Pen:
I was pleased to see the announcement that you have joined
Russell Reynolds Associates, Inc. You did an outstanding job
while you were here at the White House and I know that you
will continue to do so in your new job. Reynolds has gotten a
good man.
Best of luck and best wishes in this endeavor.
Sincerely,
Lawrence M. Higby
Deputy Assistant
to the President
E. Pendelton James
President Western Operations
Russell Reynolds Associates, Inc.
515 South Flower Street
Los Angeles, California 90071
LH/pp
80,
March 13, 1973
Dear Nick:
I'm sorry I didn't make it to your party Wednesday evening.
Unfortunately, things got really busy around here late that
afternoon and I was unable to break away. I appreciate your
thinking of Inviting Dolores and me.
Best wishes,
Sincerely,
Lawrence M. Higby
Deputy Assistant
to the President
Mr. Nick Ruwe
2734 34th Place, N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20007
LH/pp
!
March 12, 1973
MEMORANDUM FOR:
H.R. HALDEMAN
FROM:
L. HIGBY
FYI - I will be in late Thursday morning. I need to go out and get my Maryland
State Operator's license In order to drive,
LH/pp
March 3, 1973
Dear Mrs. Custis:
My daughter Jenifer very much appreciates her new
Reggedy Ann doll and my wife Dolores and I want to
thank you very much for making it for her.
Patty had told me how talented you were and after seeing
the doll, I can't help but agree.
I have enclosed a little something I thought you might
like to have.
Best wishes,
Sincerely,
Lawrence M. Higby
Deputy Assistant
to the President
Mrs. Francis Custis
2212 Culpaper Street
Arlington, Virginia 22206
LH/pp
!