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:
From Fred Malek to Haldeman. RE: The reorganization of the RNC, and what questions should be asked to George Bush as Chairman of the RNC. 4 pgs. [Subject: Domestic Policy] [Memo], 11/24/1972
From Fred Malek to Haldeman. RE: The drastic "shake up" of the RNC, as an essential component in ensuring members of the new majority remain loyal to the GOP. 4 pgs. [Subject: Domestic Policy] [Memo], 11/24/1972
From R.M. Woods to The President. RE: The cancellation of Nixon's trip to Florida, and the suggestion that he spend his time at the Eisenhower Theatre seeing "Jockey Club Stakes" instead. 1 pg. [Subject: Personal] [Letter], 11/20/1972
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
26145758
label
WHSF: Contested, 17-14
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
26145758
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
WHSF: Contested, 17-14
description
This file contains:
From Fred Malek to Haldeman. RE: The reorganization of the RNC, and what questions should be asked to George Bush as Chairman of the RNC. 4 pgs. [Subject: Domestic Policy] [Memo], 11/24/1972
From Fred Malek to Haldeman. RE: The drastic "shake up" of the RNC, as an essential component in ensuring members of the new majority remain loyal to the GOP. 4 pgs. [Subject: Domestic Policy] [Memo], 11/24/1972
From R.M. Woods to The President. RE: The cancellation of Nixon's trip to Florida, and the suggestion that he spend his time at the Eisenhower Theatre seeing "Jockey Club Stakes" instead. 1 pg. [Subject: Personal] [Letter], 11/20/1972
citationUrl
collections
Richard M. Nixon's Returned Materials Collection
Contested Materials Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
26145758
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
baba234476a43cc4
ocrText
Richard Nixon Presidential Library
Contested Materials Collection
Folder List
Box Number
Folder Number
Document Date
No Date
Subject
Document Type
Document Description
17
14
11/24/1972
Domestic Policy
Memo
From Fred Malek to Haldeman. RE: The
reorganization of the RNC, and what
questions should be asked to George Bush as
Chairman of the RNC. 4 pgs.
17
14
11/24/1972
Domestic Policy
Memo
From Fred Malek to Haldeman. RE: The
drastic "shake up" of the RNC, as an
essential component in ensuring members of
the new majority remain loyal to the GOP. 4
pgs.
17
14
11/20/1972
Personal
Letter
From R.M. Woods to The President. RE:
The cancellation of Nixon's trip to Florida,
and the suggestion that he spend his time at
the Eisenhower Theatre seeing "Jockey Club
Stakes" instead. 1 pg.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Page 1 of 1
DOCUMENT WITHDRAWAL RECORD [NIXON PROJECT]
DOCUMENT
DOCUMENT
NUMBER
TYPE
SUBJECT/TITLE OR CORRESPONDENTS
DATE
RESTRICTION
NI
malk to Haldenson
(4pp)
MCMO
11/24/72
C
[DOC#31] #
Re: Recrganizing the RNC
[DOC & 32]
[copy applors Later]
N2
noR
Rose May Woods 40 the President
11/20/72
C
[Doc#33]
RE: Kennedy Conter (ip.)
N3
Aaion
Fr: HAuleman
12/10/72
C
[DUC+ 343
mand
-RE Personnel
(2pp)
to
[4 copies follow]
(DOCH35]
FILE GROUP TITLE
L. Highy Misc. Apre-
BOX NUMBER
One DEMAN
Phone Logal
281
FOLDER TITLE
[mise. Correspondisce, 1972-73]
RESTRICTION CODES
A. Release would violate a Federal statute or Agency Policy.
E. Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
B. National security classified information.
financial information.
C. Pending or approved claim that release would violate an individual's
F. Release would disclose investigatory information compiled for law
rights.
enforcement purposes.
D. Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy
G. Withdrawn and return private and personal material.
or a libel of a living person.
H. Withdrawn and returned non-historical material.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
NA FORM 1421 (4-85)
Presidential Materials Review Board
Review on Contested Documents
Collection: H. R. Haldeman
Box Number: 281
Folder:
[Misc. Correspondence, 1972-73]
Document
Disposition
31
Return Private/Political
32
Return Private/Political
33
Return
Private/Personal
34
Retain
Open
35
Retain
Open
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 24, 1972
MEMORANDUM FOR:
H. R. HALDEMAN
FROM:
FRED MALEK 70m
SUBJECT:
Reorganizing the RNC
This memo outlines my thoughts as to what we should ask George Bush
to accomplish as Chairman of the RNC when you discuss this with him
today.
We all agree that a drastic shake up of the RNC is needed if we are to
capitalize on the opportunity to add members of the new majority permanent-
1y to the GOP. To do this requires that the RNC change its mission from
being one of servicing the state parties and merchandizing Republicanism
and instead concentrate on two things:
1. Finding, financing and managing attractive candidates to run on
the Republican ticket for the Senate and House seats. This effort would
include supplying each candidate with polling information on issues, campaign
media assistance a campaign manager, financial support, and campaign
program assistance (canvassing, direct mail, etc.)
2. Making a strong effort to rebuild the state GOP organizations
so that they can do this same thing for state and local offices. We dis-
covered at 1701 that most state parties simply cannot carry the mail. The
leadership is old, crusty, and more interested in maintaining their positions
than winning. In addition many of the key state GOP organizations are deep-
ly in debt and do not have the resources to organize their states properly.
(Pennsylvania is $600, 000 in the hole; California $300, 000, etc.) Thus,
the RNC must rescue the party in several key states by changing leader-
ship and pulling them out of debt. We should use administration resources
to do this. For example, in Pennsylvania we could offer to help them get
out of debt and to place Cliff Jones in a federal position if they would
appoint an effective state chairman to work with the RNC.
- 2 -
To accomplish this two fold mission requires that the RNC's field
operations be given much greater emphasis. The field staff must be
expanded considerably, upgraded and well supported by the leadership
if the RNC is to accomplish this Party building assignment.
This change of direction will require that the RNC's organization
structure be realigned. I would create two deputy slots - one for field
operations and one for program development, field support, adminis-
tration. staff
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR FIELD OPERATIONS
This deputy would be responsible for candidate selection and management
and the task of rebuilding the state party organizations. He must be tough,
attractive, a diplomat and have an excellent understanding of party organi-
zation and campaign management. He also must be able to attract and
motivate a crack staff of field operatives.
Five candidates come to mind for this position:
Q.
Tom Crouch - Former Dallas County Chairman and my most
effective Regional Director at 1701. Tom has all the credentials and
meets the criteria. (Resume at Tab A)
2. Marvin Collins Former executive director of the Texas GOP
and campaign manager for Bush and Holton. Marvin was also a regional
director. He is an excellent political thinker and salesman but he lacks
the toughness and fire-in-the-belly drive that Crouch has.
3
Ken Reitz - Ken is an excellent operative but I question his
management ability and wonder if he could draw together the high quality
staff required for the job. Also his ties to Brock will hinder his effective-
ness in dealing with the state organizations. (Resume at Tab B)
4. Ed DeBolt - Ed has had this job under Evans and did a credible
job under some severe handicaps. He is probably the most able political
technician we have in the Party. But he does have enemies and was not
able to draw together as effective a staff as I would have hoped. On balance,
I think George should start with a new slate rather than stay with DeBolt
and his team.
- 3
5. Chuck Ross - The CRP Chairman for Ohio should also be con-
sidered. However, I do not feel he has the flexibility and diplomatic touch
to weave his way through the demands of this position. (Resume at Tab C)
On balance, I would go with (1) Crouch or (2) Collins. The major drawback
to each of these men is that they are both from Texas and we could be
accused of creating a Texas Mafia. This is outweighted in my mind by
their ability and the working relationship they already have with Bush.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR PROGRAMS
This deputy would be responsible for developing and managing an organization
to support the targeted candidates - polling, media, issue research, campaign
management, campaign materials, field programs (door to door and telephone
canvassing), and to support the state party organizations. He should also
be charged with administration of the committee and publications (First
Monday, etc.) This post requires a good manager and a thorough under-
standing of elective politics. There are several candidates for this position.
Ed DeBolt would probably be the best if he would stay. Certainly
he has the background to do the job and in addition provides continuity with
the best elements of the work done over the last four years at the RNC.
Marvin Collins and Ken Reitz could also handle the job effectively.
Reitz would be better simply because we could not put in two Texas Deputies
with Bush. I don't believe the Brock ties would hurt Ken in this post which
is programmatic rather than political in orientation. Also, Ken could use
this post to continue his youth program.
In addition there would have to be other organizational changes down the line.
Posts would have to be created for the various program areas, campaign
management and so forth. George should sketch this organization in as
soon as possible. The 1701 staff and the best of DeBolt's RNC staff will
provide a pool of strong candidates for these positions.
In addition, it would be best if we could merge the senatorial, congressional
and gubernatorial campaign committees into the new expanded RNC organi-
zation to conserve resources, and eliminate duplicated or contradictory
efforts. We should try to do this, but I am dubious about how successful we
will be. We must be prepared to go ahead, with or without them.
THE NEED FOR WHITE HOUSE GUIDANCE
We cannot afford to isolate Bush and provide no guidance or access to the
White House as was the case with Tom Evans. Ideally either the President
or you should approve each major step including:
- 4 -
The New Organization Structure
Key Staffing Decisions
Targeting of each Senate, House, and State House Seat
Proposed Changes in the Leadership of Each State Party
Candidates
Campaign Programs
The Approach to Campaign Management
The Specific Campaign Strategy for Each Targeted Seat
My guess is that neither of you will have the time to provide this guidance
and I recommend that you ask George to work with me in pulling the new
organization together. I will come to you on the key questions where your
input and approval is needed.
MAJOR ACTION STEPS
Obviously, the proposed reorganization must proceed in stages; this is the
sequence of steps that I would recommend that Bush take:
1. Gain a real grasp of the job by discussing it with Jeb, myself,
Reitz, Jones and others who have given thought to the problem.
2. Develop a plan to deflect the flak we will surely get from Con-
gress when it re-convenes and from the Party as they begin holding regional
meetings. If he can outline his plans for party reform, it would go far to take
the sting out, of their criticism.
Work of Congress Company Committee
3. Solidify his recommendations for the RNC re-organization.
4. Begin building a top flight staff.
5. Analyse the state parties and target those that must be reshaped.
6. Target seats in the Senate, House and State Houses which we
would win with good efforts.
7. Begin the search for candidates for the targeted seats.
M
8. Develop plan to build up the candidates.
9. Start the development of the campaign management school and the
campaign programs for use in 1974.
This is a brief outline of my current thinking and I am sure George can
improve on it as he goes on in time. Certainly I would like very much to
discuss the whole subject with him at the earliest opportunity. Meanwhile
if you have any questions, please let me know.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 24, 1972
MEMORANDUM FOR:
H. R. HALDEMAN
FROM:
FRED MALEK
7am
SUBJECT:
Reorganizing the RNC
This memo outlines my thoughts as to what we should ask George Bush
to accomplish as Chairman of the RNC when you discuss this with him
today.
We all agree that a drastic shake up of the RNC is needed if we are to
capitalize on the opportunity to add members of the new majority permanent-
ly to the GOP. To do this requires that the RNC change its mission from
being one of servicing the state parties and merchandizing Republicanism
and instead concentrate on two things:
1. Finding, financing and managing attractive candidates to run on
the Republican ticket for the Senate and House seats. This effort would
include supplying each candidate with polling information on issues, campaign
media assistance a campaign manager, financial support, and campaign
program assistance (canvassing, direct mail, etc.)
2. Making a strong effort to rebuild the state GOP organizations
so that they can do this same thing for state and local offices. We dis-
covered at 1701 that most state parties simply cannot carry the mail. The
leadership is old, crusty, and more interested in maintaining their positions
than winning. In addition many of the key state GOP organizations are deep-
ly in debt and do not have the resources to organize their states properly.
(Pennsylvania is $600, 000 in the hole; California $300, 000, etc.) Thus,
the RNC must rescue the party in several key states by changing leader-
ship and pulling them out of debt. We should use administration resources
to do this. For example, in Pennsylvania we could offer to help them get
out of debt and to place Cliff Jones in a federal position if they would
appoint an effective state chairman to work with the RNC.
- 2 -
To accomplish this two fold mission requires that the RNC's field
operations be given much greater emphasis. The field staff must be
expanded considerably, upgraded and well supported by the leadership
if the RNC is to accomplish this Party building assignment.
This change of direction will require that the RNC's organization
structure be realigned. I would create two deputy slots - one for field
operations and one for program development, field support, adminis-
tration.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR FIELD OPERATIONS
This deputy would be responsible for candidate selection and management
and the task of rebuilding the state party organizations. He must be tough,
attractive, a diplomat and have an excellent understanding of party organi-
zation and campaign management. He also must be able to attract and
motivate a crack staff of field operatives.
Five candidates come to mind for this position:
1. Tom Crouch - Former Dallas County Chairman and my most
effective Regional Director at 1701. Tom has all the credentials and
meets the criteria. (Resume at Tab A)
2. Marvin Collins - Former executive director of the Texas GOP
and campaign manager for Bush and Holton. Marvin was also a regional
director. He is an excellent political thinker and salesman but he lacks
the toughness and fire-in-the-belly drive that Crouch has.
3. Ken Reitz - Ken is an excellent operative but I question his
management ability and wonder if he could draw together the high quality
staff required for the job. Also his ties to Brock will hinder his effective-
ness in dealing with the state organizations. (Resume at Tab B)
4. Ed DeBolt - Ed has had this job under Evans and did a credible
job under some severe handicaps. He is probably the most able political
technician we have in the Party. But he does have enemies and was not
able to draw together as effective a staff as I would have hoped. On balance,
I think George should start with a new slate rather than stay with DeBolt
and his team.
...
- 3 -
5. Chuck Ross - The CRP Chairman for Ohio should also be con-
sidered. However, I do not feel he has the flexibility and diplomatic touch
to weave his way through the demands of this position. (Resume at Tab C)
On balance, I would go with (1) Crouch or (2) Collins. The major drawback
to each of these men is that they are both from Texas and we could be
accused of creating a Texas Mafia. This is outweighted in my mind by
their ability and the working relationship they already have with Bush.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR PROGRAMS
This deputy would be responsible for developing and managing an organization
to support the targeted candidates - polling, media, issue research, campaign
management, campaign materials, field programs (door to door and telephone
canvassing), and to support the state party organizations. He should also
be charged with administration of the committee and publications (First
Monday, etc.) This post requires a good manager and a thorough under-
standing of elective politics. There are several candidates for this position.
Ed DeBolt would probably be the best if he would stay. Certainly
he has the background to do the job and in addition provides continuity with
the best elements of the work done over the last four years at the RNC.
Marvin Collins and Ken Reitz could also handle the job effectively.
Reitz would be better simply because we could not put in two Texas Deputies
with Bush. I don't believe the Brock ties would hurt Ken in this post which
is programmatic rather than political in orientation. Also, Ken could use
this post to continue his youth program.
In addition there would have to be other organizational changes down the line.
Posts would have to be created for the various program areas, campaign
management and so forth. George should sketch this organization in as
soon as possible. The 1701 staff and the best of DeBolt's RNC staff will
provide a pool of strong candidates for these positions.
In addition, it would be best if we could merge the senatorial, congressional
and gubernatorial campaign committees into the new expanded RNC organi-
zation to conserve resources, and eliminate duplicated or contradictory
efforts. We should try to do this, but I am dubious about how successful we
will be. We must be prepared to go ahead, with or without them.
THE NEED FOR WHITE HOUSE GUIDANCE
We cannot afford to isolate Bush and provide no guidance or access to the
White House as was the case with Tom Evans. Ideally either the President
or you should approve each major step including:
- 4
-
The New Organization Structure
- Key Staffing Decisions
-
Targeting of each Senate, House, and State House Seat
Proposed Changes in the Leadership of Each State Party
Candidates
Campaign Programs
- The Approach to Campaign Management
The Specific Campaign Strategy for Each Targeted Seat
My guess is that neither of you will have the time to provide this guidance
and I recommend that you ask George to work with me in pulling the new
organization together. I will come to you on the key questions where your
input and approval is needed.
MAJOR ACTION STEPS
Obviously, the proposed reorganization must proceed in stages; this is the
sequence of steps that I would recommend that Bush take:
1. Gain a real grasp of the job by discussing it with Jeb, myself,
Reitz, Jones and others who have given thought to the problem.
2. Develop a plan to deflect the flak we will surely get from Con-
gress when it re-convenes and from the Party as they begin holding regional
meetings. If he can outline his plans for party reform, it would go far to take
the sting out of their criticism.
3. Solidify his recommendations for the RNC re-organization.
4. Begin building a top flight staff.
5. Analyse the state parties and target those that must be reshaped.
6. Target seats in the Senate, House and State Houses which we
would win with good efforts.
7. Begin the search for candidates for the targeted seats.
8. Develop plan to build up the candidates.
9. Start the development of the campaign management school and the
campaign programs for use in 1974.
This is a brief outline of my current thinking and I am sure George can
improve on it as he goes on in time. Certainly I would like very much to
discuss the whole subject with him at the earliest opportunity. Meanwhile
if you have any questions, please let me know.
November 20, 1972
MR. PRESIDENT: It no to that since
occurs me you have cancelled your
trip to Florida that you and the family might want to go to the
Eisenhower Theatre (Kennedy Center) to see JOCKEY CLUB STAKES.
It is supposed to be a great comedy (British) and is not trying
to promote some cause or other.
One review of the play said: "A pleasant evening in
which the only complications are too many chuckles and some
deep-seated laughs.
Rm Woods
H don't denter at
go
6 In anything time
anlies
any it is w