Yellow Dogs and Republicans: Allan Shivers and Texas Two-Party Politics

Acknowledgments

when i first began studying allan shivers’s political career, I had no clear ideas or impression of the man. I knew vaguely that he had been governor and led an insurgency that put Texas in Eisenhower ’s column in 1952 and 1956. As research increased my awareness, he loomed as a controversial and powerful figure in an era when giants walked the landscape of Texas politics. Over the years, Shivers has not broken through into my personal pantheon of heroes. Instead, I have come to an appreciation of his significance to the political history of Texas and the South. He helped make Texas what it is today —and that is not altogether a good thing. He also helped move the South one step farther down the road to two-party politics. this book could not have happened without the help and support of many people. My wife Miriam and my daughter Claire have lived with Allan Shivers (and me) for thirteen years between them. Claire at times seemed overawed at the idea of her daddy writing a book and offered to help illustrate it. Miriam just wanted it finished so our home office could be thoroughly cleaned. Together they make life a joy and give meaning to all that I do. I am thankful for them and their loving support. My parents, Barbara and Jack Dobbs, supported, loved, and encouraged me through endless years of higher education. It is to them this book is dedicated. Colleagues at Southwest Baptist University and Texas A&M University– Commerce also advised, supported, and encouraged me. Graduate school friends provided intangible but essential moral support when this work was germinating . Texas A&M University–Commerce has also contributed generously in release time and research funds for this project. While in graduate school at Texas acknowledgments A&M University, I received travel assistance for my research. The Harry S. Truman Library funded my research at that facility. Truman Library personnel, along with archivists at the Eisenhower and Johnson presidential libraries, greatly facilitated my exploration of the past. The Texas State Archives staff in Austin provided excellent service and assistance, which underlay most of my research. Archivists and librarians at several other facilities also proved helpful, including: Baylor University, the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center, Southwest Baptist University, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University– Commerce, the University of Houston, and the Center for American History at the University of Texas. I am also particularly grateful to participants who gave generously of their time and memories. The late Maury Maverick Jr. took a special interest in this project, connecting me with many people who were more than willing to tell me about my subject. Others—including the late George Christian, John Osorio, and Jake Pickle—helped temper this account of a controversial figure. All historians owe debts to those who taught and encouraged them. Stanley Campbell and Thomas Charlton of Baylor University inspired me as gentlemen, researchers, and teachers. They showed me an alternative path to the law, my original career choice, and gently said, “we told you so,” when I decided to drop law school and take up further graduate study. Both have influenced my teaching , my understanding of history, and, even more important, my understanding of life. I wish I could again thank Robert A. Calvert for all he meant to me personally and to this project. His wonderful humanity, warmth, and deep commitment to his students and friends remain pleasant memories for all who knew him. There are others who also helped along the way. Walter Buenger, Harold Livesay, David McWhirter, and Henry Schmidt served on my dissertation committee . Gregg Cantrell, Patrick Cox, Charles Elliott, Nick Sarantakes, and Rebecca Sharpless all offered practical advice and support during the crafting of this work. Finally, the editorial staff at Texas A&M University Press contributed mightily to this book’s best qualities. Any imperfections that remain are my own. xii Acknowledgments Yellow Dogs and Republicans ...