George Smathers: Encyclopedia II - George Smathers - Political Career

George Smathers - Political Career

After the war, Smathers was elected to serve two terms in the United States House of Representatives, from 1947 to 1951. In 1950, he ran for the United States Senate against incumbent Claude Pepper, and was elected by a margin of over 60,000 votes. The race was marked by echoes of the Red Scare: Smathers repeatedly attacked Pepper for having communist sympathies, pointing out his pro-civil rights platform and campaign for universal health care.

In 1956, Smathers signed "The Southern Manifesto", condemning the U.S. Supreme Court decision to desegregate the public school system.

Smathers served as chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee for six years. During the 1960 presidential campaign, Smathers was a candidate for the Democratic Party's nomination. He later managed John F. Kennedy's campaign in the southeastern U.S.

In 1968, Smathers declined to run for re-election and announced his candidacy for president. He was defeated in the primary race by Hubert Humphrey.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Political Career", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki