Typed draft, signed “Gerald R. Ford,” for the forward of a 1996 book entitled Chet Holifield, Master Legislator & Nuclear Statesman, two pages, 7.25 x 10.5, on Ford’s embossed personal letterhead. The text reads, in part: “Writing a Preface for a book on a close personal friend and a long time colleague in the U.S. House of Representatives brings back wonderful memories of our treasured relationship. The friendship transcended political partisanship and included many enjoyable social activities with Cam and Betty. Chet and I embraced and sought to further the fundamentals of our government and society, although on occasion we might differ … To his legislative peers the name Holifield was synonymous with that of the peaceful atom. On nuclear energy his was the dominant voice in the House. Together with such associates as the late Craig Hosmer, Republican of California, and Mel Price, Democrat of Illinois, he set a standard of legislative excellence in the highly technical area of nuclear energy that will be hard to surpass. On many issues his legislative mastery of the nuclear field was so thorough that when he spoke, most members of the Congress not only listened carefully, but usually followed the course he recommended. Few legislators in my lifetime enjoyed the trust Chet did as a consequence of his study and knowledge of this new source of energy - the atom. Not only the Congress but the nation owes him a profound debt of gratitude … We all can be proud of this story of an American patriot whose vision and political courage enriched the cause of freedom and the lives of men and women everywhere.” In fine, clean condition. Accompanied by a hardcover edition of the book.
During his 25 years in Congress, Ford won many allies due to his reputation for modesty, fair leadership, and an inoffensive personality. Among those he counted as “a close personal friend and a long time colleague” with whom the Michigan representative forged a “treasured relationship” was California congressman Chester Earl Holifield, a Democrat who served from 1943 until his resignation in 1974. As Ford notes here in the posthumous work, their “friendship transcended political partisanship” as they “ought to further the fundamentals of our government and society, although on occasion we might differ.” An incredibly insightful look at a longtime colleague presented by Ford for publication. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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