ALS signed “Jack,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 6.25 x 8, US Senate letterhead, no date but postmarked December 19, 1955. Letter to John O’Rourke, a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the First Hampshire District. In part: “I can’t remember whether or not I have written to thank you for your kindness in having everyone in when I was in Northampton. It was a wonderful opportunity to see everyone at one time and I was also very glad to have a chance to see your new house—which is very very nice.” Includes the original mailing envelope, addressed in Kennedy’s hand. In fine condition. Accompanied by a photocopied campaign ad for Kennedy and O'Rourke, and a copy of a photo from Kennedy's first appearance in the district.
Kennedy first met O'Rourke in 1951 after his father, Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., told Department of Labor lawyer Ray O'Connell—the cousin of O'Rourke's wife—that John was going to need help in the district in order to win it in the 1952 Senate election. His first official appearance in Northampton was at a Knights of Columbus communion breakfast on March 18, 1951; a copy of a photo from this event accompanies this letter. The two Massachusetts politicians became fast friends, and O'Rourke used his political sway to arrange several campaign stops in the district throughout Kennedy's career in Congress. The 1952 Senate election was especially important, as Kennedy hoped to unseat Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr., and put an end to the Lodge family dynasty that had dominated politics in Massachusetts. It was indeed a tough race, but Kennedy won the election with just 51% of the votes. Kennedy supported O'Rourke in return, most notably when he ran for the Massachusetts Senate; despite the strong endorsement from Senator Kennedy, O'Rourke did not win. An exceptionally desirable letter from one of Kennedy’s influential supporters during his early Senate campaigns. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA.
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