Interview with Catherine Hampson, November 11, 1975

Interview Summary

In this interview, Catherine Hampson, former staff assistant to Senator Earle C. Clements, discusses first meeting Clements, her views of Clements as a public official, and how she began working with Clements. She describes her job responsibilities, Clements' advisors, and Clements' concern with constituent mail. Ms. Hampson talks about Clements' responsibilities as majority whip, working for Clements, and the office in Clements' absence. She also discusses the relationship between Clements, Alben Barkley, and the Kentucky Congressional Delegation. Ms. Hampson talks about the gubernatorial campaign in 1955, the relationship between the senate office and Governor Lawrence Wetherby's staff, and relations with the A.B. "Happy" Chandler administration. She describes the relationship between Lyndon Johnson and Clements and other senators. Ms. Hampson talks about the 1956 campaign, Clements' attitude toward Thruston Morton, and major issues in the campaign. She describes her reaction to Clements' defeat and her impression of Clements as a campaigner. Ms. Hampson also discusses Clements' reaction to the position of Senate Campaign Chairman, Mrs. Clements, and Bess Abel's association with her father's political career.

Interview Keyword

Alben Barkley Earle C. Clements Governor Lawrence Wetherby Happy Chandler Kentucky Congressional Delegation Lyndon B. Johnson Majority whips Senate Campaign Chairman Staff assistant Thruston Morton United States politics

Interview LC Subject

Clements, Earle C. (Earle Chester), 1896-1985 Governors Hampson, Catherine Hampson, Catherine--Interviews Kentucky. Governor (1947-1950 : Clements) Legislators Legislators--United States Politicians Politicians--United States

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.