Interview with Earle C. Clements, November 18, 1976

Interview Summary

Former Kentucky politician, Earle C. Clements was a governor of Kentucky and served as a U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative. Clements has been appointed to various offices like Kentucky State Highway Commissioner and director of the U.S. Senate Democratic Campaign Committee, among others. He served as the president of the Tobacco Institute for more than a decade. In this interview, Clements discusses his plan for disbanding the highway patrol in favor of establishing the state police. He talks about the plan's foremost opponents, finding a suitable operating model for the new system, and appropriate employee qualifications for being a state police. Clements discusses his plans for improved rural roads, the tax increase that funded the project and the economic benefits of such a plan. He recalls seeking committee positions in the Senate and discusses some of his colleagues from Congress. He also discusses his relationship with Alben Barkley.

Interview Keyword

Earle C. Clements Governors Political campaigning and communication Rural roads State police United States politics United States. Congress--Committees

Interview LC Subject

Barkley, Alben William, 1877-1956 Clements, Earle C. (Earle Chester), 1896-1985 Clements, Earle C. (Earle Chester), 1896-1985--Interviews Kentucky. General Assembly. Senate Kentucky. Governor (1947-1950 : Clements) Legislators--United States 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.