Interview with Lawrence W. Wetherby, June 26, 1980

Interview Summary

Governor Wetherby begins this interview remembering December, 1955 when he left the office and turned the administration over the A.B Chandler, and recalling any regrets and expectations he had of him leaving. He speaks of coming back home to Louisville, to practice law again, and how he moved back to Frankfort to be closer to his family. Governor Wetherby speaks of the difficulty he had transforming from eight years holding a public office to being having a private life, again. He recalls debating with Alben Barkley about who should run for US Senate in 1954, and how when Barkley passed in 1956, the committee named Wetherby as the nominee of the Democratic party to run for senate. He spoke about the difficulties he had running and why he believes he ultimately lost. He gives his opinion about Chandler and his lack of support for democratic candidates during this campaign, and how it ultimately hurt Chandler in the end. Governor Wetherby then speaks about the 1959 primary, and how he ended up campaigning for the successful Bert Combs. At the end of the campaign, Governor Wetherby gives his opinion about the campaign election, and his relationship with the new Governor. Governor Wetherby give his opinion on the Kennedy-Johnson campaign that was also going on at this time. He gives accounts of the maturity of his law firm during the years 1955-1965 and his political influence still during this time. He speaks of the 1963 gubernatorial campaign and gives his impression of the winner, Ned Breathitt. He ends speaking of his election into the Kentucky State Senate in 1965 and how he was treated in the legislative branch.

Interview LC Subject

Jefferson County (Ky.) Wetherby, Lawrence W. (Lawrence Winchester), 1908-1994 Wetherby, Lawrence W. (Lawrence Winchester), 1908-1994--Interviews

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