American Presidents





Jimmy Carter
Letters

Jimmy Carter

This letter from then Governor Carter was sent to Mrs. Lena Mae Dempsey in response to her complaint that he should have endorsed Governor Wallace rather than Senator Jackson at the Democratic Convention. A note in the book, Jimmy Carter: The Man and the Myth by Victor Lasky states that, according to Jody Powell, the letter was written by a staffer.

August 4, 1972

Dear Mrs. Dempsey:

There are times when two men working toward the same end can accomplish more if they are not completely tied together.
I have never had anything but the highest praise for Governor Wallace. My support for Senator Jackson was based upon a personal request from our late Senator Richard Russell shortly before his death. I think you will find that Senator Jackson, Governor Wallace, and I are in close agreement on most issues.

Let me ask you to consider one other factor before I close. There are times when two men working toward the same end can accomplish more if they are not completely tied together. I think you will find that governor Wallace understands that.

Please let me know when I can be of service to you or your children in Atlanta. I hope I have been able to give you a slightly better impression of me.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Carter

[The above letter is reproduced exactly as written and was obtained through the archives at the Library of Congress]

Created by America's Cable Companies.