It’s always good to be reminded that there are decent people on both sides of the aisle. And decent people react differently than indecent people. Great column, Dave.
Thanks for reminding us about this part of Iowa’s history. Just think how (positively) different our state might be today had Hughes been able to run and had won that election.
That’s a terrific column and a good history lesson. There is a world of difference between Harold Hughes and Donald Trump; the words grace, class and character come to mind. Thanks for the reminder of a much more sane political time, a time this country will have great difficulty attaining again.
Dave - Excellent article. It reminds us of the high class candidates that can come out of Iowa on both sides of the isle. It brings back some great campaign memories and a good history lesson.
Given this forewarning by the Hughes episode I presume this residency restriction can be negated by maintaining a "residence" in Iowa and visiting frequently as many of our statewide federal officials do: true?
The two Iowa Governors I most enjoyed covering were Democrat Harold Hughes and Republican Robert D. Ray. Two thoroughly decent politicians and individuals.
I was on Hughes staff in the Governor's Office and three years on the Senate staff. What he said about the poor and others was what he did in the period 1963 t0 1968. A Ray-Hughes race would have been a battle. Thanks Dave for bringing up the constitutional issue. Bill Hedlund
I remember both Governor Hughes and Governor Ray. I also respect the integrity of the vote, and the unpopular but apparently correct decision made at the time.
An interesting footnote to Iowa history, indeed. More on Hughes' fascinating life and legacy, can be found in this recent biography of the man. It's well worth seeking out: https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700634699/
I recall Gov. Ray was actually looking forward to a contest with former Gov./Sen. Hughes.
Lynn Cutler of Waterloo, a longtime Democratic politician who ran for Congress and served in the Clinton administration, compared Hughes to Johnny Cash. Lot of parallels in appearance and personal story.
I covered Hughes moderating a Democratic presidential forum at Stephens Auditorium in Ames in early 1984. He outshone everyone with the possible exception of George McGovern. Panelists included Alan Cranston, Gary Hart, Ruben Askew, Fritz Hollings and former Sen. McGovern, among others. Hughes cut off Gary Hart when he went over on time on an answer early on, and there was no doubt who was in control.
Later that year after a job change I covered Hughes' speech at Clinton Community College. He began with. "Hi, I'm Harold Hughes, and I'm an alcoholic."
"HI HAROLD!" a large portion of the audience answered.
It’s always good to be reminded that there are decent people on both sides of the aisle. And decent people react differently than indecent people. Great column, Dave.
As usual, excellent analysis with Dave’s vintage journalistic perspective.
I remember covering Hughes and Ray as well. I had the same feeling about Hughes. His charisma was
unmistakable. And Ray was as open a politician as I remember. He held DAILY news conferences to answer questions on any topic.
Thanks for reminding us about this part of Iowa’s history. Just think how (positively) different our state might be today had Hughes been able to run and had won that election.
That’s a terrific column and a good history lesson. There is a world of difference between Harold Hughes and Donald Trump; the words grace, class and character come to mind. Thanks for the reminder of a much more sane political time, a time this country will have great difficulty attaining again.
👍Well said.
Dave - Excellent article. It reminds us of the high class candidates that can come out of Iowa on both sides of the isle. It brings back some great campaign memories and a good history lesson.
Given this forewarning by the Hughes episode I presume this residency restriction can be negated by maintaining a "residence" in Iowa and visiting frequently as many of our statewide federal officials do: true?
The two Iowa Governors I most enjoyed covering were Democrat Harold Hughes and Republican Robert D. Ray. Two thoroughly decent politicians and individuals.
I was on Hughes staff in the Governor's Office and three years on the Senate staff. What he said about the poor and others was what he did in the period 1963 t0 1968. A Ray-Hughes race would have been a battle. Thanks Dave for bringing up the constitutional issue. Bill Hedlund
He had no cause to complain as hedidn't fit the criteria - good for him.
I remember both Governor Hughes and Governor Ray. I also respect the integrity of the vote, and the unpopular but apparently correct decision made at the time.
Thank you. I am so sad for the everyday US citizens right now.
An interesting footnote to Iowa history, indeed. More on Hughes' fascinating life and legacy, can be found in this recent biography of the man. It's well worth seeking out: https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700634699/
I recall Gov. Ray was actually looking forward to a contest with former Gov./Sen. Hughes.
Lynn Cutler of Waterloo, a longtime Democratic politician who ran for Congress and served in the Clinton administration, compared Hughes to Johnny Cash. Lot of parallels in appearance and personal story.
I covered Hughes moderating a Democratic presidential forum at Stephens Auditorium in Ames in early 1984. He outshone everyone with the possible exception of George McGovern. Panelists included Alan Cranston, Gary Hart, Ruben Askew, Fritz Hollings and former Sen. McGovern, among others. Hughes cut off Gary Hart when he went over on time on an answer early on, and there was no doubt who was in control.
Later that year after a job change I covered Hughes' speech at Clinton Community College. He began with. "Hi, I'm Harold Hughes, and I'm an alcoholic."
"HI HAROLD!" a large portion of the audience answered.