Dudley, Harold 1973-06-13

Harold Dudley, former executive assistant to Governor Preston Smith, offers autobiographical background, describes his work with Smith’s campaigns in 1966 and 1968, and assesses the Smith administration.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Harold Dudley

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: June 13, 1973

Location: Austin, Texas

Interviewer: Fred Carpenter

Length: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Autobiographical data, Discusses organizational management and objective analysis of problems, Remembers his joining Preston Smith in Austin, Praises and describes Weldon Hart, Recalls John Connally's announcement that he would run for third term, Decided to work for Smith

Tape 1, Side 2: Talks about his research on the governorship, Position of Lt. Governor not a stepping stone to the governorship, Says that Texas has strong governor system, Result of the Spanish heritage, Importance of polls in the campaign, Image making in the race and Smith's character, Speaks of Smith's self-discipline, Details Smith's decision not to run against Connally

Tape 2, Side 1: Continues with description of Preston Smith's relationship with John Connally, Characterizes 1966 campaign for lieutenant governor, Importance of objectivity stressed, Discusses Smith's natural assets for being a politician, Image of Smith in the campaign, Relations with the press noted, Comments on position of a political assistant, Smith's decision to run in 1968 discussed

Tape 2, Side 2: Campaign for governor in 1968 discussed, Categorizes Smith's support, Notable aspects of the campaign, Summarizes importance of 1966 primary run-off, Characterizes Don Yarborough, Notes campaign spending, Outlines decision to label Yarborough a liberal

Tape 3, Side 1: Continues with primary run-off in 1968, Stresses importance of absentee ballots, Discusses the 1968 race against Paul Eggers, Lists elements helpful to Preston Smith's strategy, Preparing for assumption of governor's office, Texas Research League's role mentioned, Develops the story of association with Smith, Repeats importance of his objectivity, Characterizes Smith as "colorful", Lists his own strong points and accomplishments, Comments on Smith's lack of readiness to serve

Tape 3, Side 2: Continues with Smith's slow assumption of governorship, Comments on staff, program, and the governor's duties, Points out Smith's likes and dislikes, Denies that Smith was an organization man, Praises Smith's conduct during Sharpstown scandal, Stresses state agencies' importance, Mentions demonstrations and Smith's reaction, Youth and the Human Relations Commission noted, Discusses Smith and minorities, Explores organization of the staff, Characterizes Smith's concern for people

Tape 4, Side 1: Continues with Preston Smith's appointing him to Texas Employment Commission, Characterizes Smith's dealings with his staff, Summarizes relationship with Smith

Tape 4, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1960s

Bulk Dates: 1960s

Access Information

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Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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