ALS signed “Bill,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, December 26, 1981. Letter to his friend and supporter Lee Jones. In full: “Thanks for your list from the Open House. I enjoyed it, especially the chance to visit with you and Perrin—On your concerns—(1) I made no deal with Steve [Clark] and won’t; (2) I will keep out of the State representative’s race. I wish we could get [Jim Guy] Tucker in the Congress race too—Thanks for the kind words about Hillary—Happy New Year!” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Clinton’s hand. In fine condition.
Steve Clark attempted to succeed Clinton as governor, only to withdraw from the race after publicity over his spending habits and conviction of theft by deception. The letter’s recipient (Lee Jones) was evidently concerned about a possible political deal between Clinton and Clark, taking Clinton’s side in the State Representative’s race.
Jim Guy Tucker was a consistent intra-party rival of Clinton’s. After several political defeats, Tucker recognized that Clinton had his eyes on the presidency and might not serve a full term. Tucker withdrew from the 1988 gubernatorial primary and ran instead for the post of Lieutenant Governor. In 1992, Clinton was elected president and resigned as governor. Tucker assumed the governorship, was elected to a full four-year term in 1994, but was convicted of conspiracy and mail fraud as part of the Whitewater scandal. RRAuction COA.
