1960
Following the 1960 Democratic National Convention, nominee John F. Kennedy wrote U.S. Senator James O. Eastland, “I want to express my appreciation for your help in Chicago. Mississippi was of the greatest possible assistance, and Frank Smith and others have told me how helpful you were. I am most appreciative. We almost made it! I shall look forward to seeing you back in Washington.”
However, the majority of Mississippi voters opted neither for Kennedy nor for the Republican nominee Richard Nixon, but instead for eight unpledged Democratic electors who cast their ballots for Harry Byrd of Virginia, an unannounced, pro-segregationist candidate. Despite this schism, Kennedy received a clear majority in the Electoral College.
Handwritten letter from U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy to U.S. Senator James O. Eastland
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