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Olin D. Johnston (1896-1965). He was a Democratic Party politician from South Carolina. He served twice as governor of South Carolina, 1935-1939 and 1943-1945, and represented the state in the United States Senate from 1945 until 1965. Johnston made his first campaign for governor in 1930, and led the slate of candidates in the primary, but lost by around 1,000 votes in the runoff election. Undeterred by the loss, Johnston ran again and was elected Governor of South Carolina in 1934, serving for one term. On taking office, Johnston proposed a series of bills to aid the state's textile workers. An ardent New Dealer, Johnston managed to push his legislative program through the state house of representatives only to meet defeat in the Lowcountry-dominated state senate. In what has become the most famous fight between a governor and legislature in South Carolina history, Johnston tried to dismiss a number of members of the powerful State Highway Commission. After the commissioners refused to leave their posts, Johnston mobilized the National Guard to occupy the offices of the Highway Department. Ultimately, Johnston lost his battle with the Highway Commission, and severely wounded his already poor relationship with the legislature. Johnston lost his power to name highway commissioners, a power that the governor's office has never regained. His term saw the creation of the state's first Labor Department and its first Industrial Commission, and under his leadership, the state embarked on a major rural electrification project. Johnston was elected Governor of South Carolina again in 1942, winning a narrow victory. The outbreak of World War II meant that labor issues would not be as prominent in Johnston's second term. During his second term, Johnston signed laws which attempted to circumvent the Smith v. Allwright decision by making the South Carolina Democratic Party a private organization. He served until his resignation on January 3, 1945 in order to accept his U.S. Senate seat. Johnston was elected to the Senate in 1944, defeating "Cotton Ed" Smith in a rematch of their 1938 race. Johnston was re-elected three times, serving in the Senate until his death in 1965. His signature, as Governor, on a card with a 1 cent Franklin stamp postmarked at Columbia. Certificate of Authenticity from Pages of History provides a lifetime guarantee of authenticity. We are full time autograph and document dealers registered with the UACC (#036), and members of the Manuscript Society. Optional insurance is available at my cost for US deliveries only. Payments must be by Pay Pal. We regret that we cannot be responsible for loss or damage on uninsured lots. (463C) Powered by eBay Turbo ListerThe free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your active items.
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