VII. Political Patronage, 1932-1971
- Extent:
- 34 box(es) and (16.75 linear feet)
- Scope and content:
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Many individuals from Georgia and elsewhere sought Senator Russell's assistance in winning federal appointments or jobs, and materials here reflect his role in the process. Requests are for presidential appointments, federal judgeships, federal attorneys and assistant attorneys, federal marshals and deputy marshals, federal jobs, Georgia-based postmasters, and out-of-state judgeships. The files are divided by Early Appointments; Presidential; Districts-Northern, Middle, and Southern; Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals; Job Patronage; Postmasters; and Out-of-State Judgeships. Arrangement varies with subseries.
Nominations were a standard part of the senator's job, as documented in these files. Of particular interest is Senator Russell's 1968 nomination of Alexander A. Lawrence of Savannah for a federal judgeship in the Southern District of Georgia. Russell expected prompt action on the appointment from President Lyndon Johnson; however, opposition to Lawrence developed among civil rights groups in Georgia. This prompted Ramsey Clark, United States Attorney General, to oppose the nomination. While President Johnson eventually named Lawrence as judge, Russell was extremely upset with the delay and took personal offense, which caused a rift in the personal friendship of the senator and the president.
Contents
Access and use restrictions
- Parent restrictions:
- Files are restricted throughout the collection, as noted in the container listing.
- Parent terms of access:
- Before material from collections at the Richard B. Russell Library may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permissions. Persons wishing to quote from materials in the Russell Library collection should consult the Director. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original.