TLS signed “Jack, Warm regards,” one page, 8 x 10.5, January 1, 1960. In a letter marked “Personal,” Kennedy writes to Joseph Jones in Hayseed, Idaho. In full: “I am announcing tomorrow my candidacy for the Democratic Presidential nomination in 1960. I wanted you to have as quickly as possible the attached statement outlining my reasons for running, including two I want to stress to you as an active and influential Democrat who wants to see our party win in 1960:
First, I am convinced after touring every state in the last 40 months, most of them several times, that I can win both the nomination and the election — and I do not intend to relax my efforts until both have been accomplished.
Secondly, I sincerely feel (and I hope I am not presumptuous in so stating) that my qualifications, record of 14 years in the Capitol and potential contribution to this high office — toward our survival abroad and greater growth here at home — represent the kind of candidacy necessary to overcome a skillful, powerfully-backed Republican opposition, with their persuasive appeals to ‘peace’ and ‘prosperity.’
In this campaign, I would like very much to have your support. The delegates from your state to the Los Angeles Convention next July will be of vital importance in determining whether our state and local candidates must bear the burden of a losing national ticket for the third straight time — or whether vigorous, new Democratic principles will guide this nation through the critical years ahead. If you are willing now to work, to speak out and otherwise to assist in securing delegates on my behalf, I shall always gratefully remember your willingness to extend friendship when it counted most.
I can promise that you will be an important part of a hard-hitting, fast-moving, articulate campaign for a better America — respecting all the other Democratic candidates, indeed welcoming them into the primaries to test their strength — a campaign which will take hard work and tough hides, or your part and mine — but a campaign that I feel certain is going to be successful.
If you are willing to offer that kind of assistance and support, please let me know by wire or letter here in Washington — and we will be in touch again. ” After signing, Kennedy adds a short handwritten sentiment, “Warm regards.” In fine condition, with creases to upper right and lower left corners, and vague rusty paperclip impression to top left.
Much of Kennedy’s comments in the letter are in reference to “The New Frontier” touted during his campaign and, most notably, during his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention. Almost conspicuous in its absence, however, is the lack of any reference to the issue of Civil Rights. JFK’s strongly-worded plea failed to win him Idaho and its electoral votes during the 1960 election, marking the first time since 1900 that state did not vote for the winning presidential candidate. Even so, Kennedy was still successful in taking the White House. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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