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OH175 Joseph J. Leary Oral History

Joseph J. Leary Oral History

Collection Title: Jackson Purchase Oral History Project – Politics and Government

Series Number: OH175

Interviewee: Leary, Joseph J.

Interviewer: James W. Hammack, Jr.

Date interviewed: February 8, 1974

Processed by: Processed by Benjamin J. Drake in May of 2012.

Date processed:  May 22, 2012

Description: 2 sound discs (1 hour 32 minutes)

Abstract: Joseph J. Leary discusses Earle C. Clements’ gubernatorial campaign in 1947 and provides some minor details into Clements’ tenure as Governor of Kentucky. He details his first meeting with Clements and the role he played in Clements’ gubernatorial campaign. He describes major political issues faced by Clements, including a Veterinary School to Kentucky, strip mining for coal, special interests groups and the Kentucky State Judiciary Building scandal. The interview concludes with Leary discussing why Clements chose Lawrence Weatherby to run as his Lieutenant Governor.

Biographical / Historical note: Joseph J. Leary was an attorney who aided Earle C. Clements in his 1947 gubernatorial campaign. He was also a Delegate to the Democratic National Convention from Kentucky in 1956.

General information: No user access to original recordings. Use audio user copies, digital derivatives, transcripts, and/or tape indexes. This collection may be protected from unauthorized copying by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code). Permission for reproduction must be requested from Murray State University.

Subject Headings / Descriptors:

Leary, Joseph J.

Clements, Earle Chester, 1896-1985

Kentucky -- Politics and government.

Governors – Kentucky.