Exactly 60 years ago in 1961 Alabama had nine congressmen and two U.S. senators. All eleven members of our congressional delegation were Democrats. They were also all white and all male. Incidentally, there were all old white men. However, in Washington, old is good. It generally translates into seniority, which translates into power.
Southerners have always tended to reelect their incumbent powerful congressmen. Therefore, seven of our nine congressmen had over 20 years of service. Several of these elderly gentlemen chaired powerful and prestigious committees. Most of these good old boys had come to Washington during the New Deal and were loyal FDR Democrats. It may surprise you to know that they were very progressive and liberal even by national standards. FDR and the New Deal had been good for these men and to Alabama. They were progressives who believed that a big federal government was not bad.
Showing posts with label Alabama Congress Lister Hill John Sparkman Jeff Sessions Richard Shelby Robert Aderholt Jo Bonner Mike Rogers Mo Brooks Martha Roby Terri Sewell Spencer Bachus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alabama Congress Lister Hill John Sparkman Jeff Sessions Richard Shelby Robert Aderholt Jo Bonner Mike Rogers Mo Brooks Martha Roby Terri Sewell Spencer Bachus. Show all posts
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